Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar directs action on minority community issues

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has instructed elected representatives and officials to actively address the challenges faced by minority communities across the state. During a review meeting of the Minority Welfare Department held on September 8 at the Legislative House, Shivakumar emphasised the need to prioritise the education of minority students. He examined the assistance and loan facilities provided under the sericulture scheme managed by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation and directed officials to consult sericulture farmers to redesign the scheme according to their requirements. The Chief Minister also urged chairpersons of all boards and corporations under the Minority Welfare Department to tour the state and listen directly to the concerns of minority communities. ADVERTISEMENT Stay connected Make The News Mill your preferred source See more TNM stories when you search for news on Google. Add TNM on Google Shivakumar instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of schemes announced in the state Budget, including upgrading Maulana Azad schools to the standards of Karnataka Public Schools and establishing women's colleges. He noted that a committee led by Rajya Sabha member Mansoor Khan had been formed to investigate issues related to minority education. The Chief Minister further reported that separate committees had reviewed food facilities in minority hostels. The committee for North Karnataka, headed by MLA Yasir Pathan, and the one for southern Karnataka, led by MLA Bilkis Bano, surveyed their respective regions and submitted reports on their findings. 'Action will be taken based on these reports,' Shivakumar said. ADVERTISEMENT It was agreed to introduce student-managed messes on a pilot basis in selected hostels to enhance the quality of food and overall management. He stressed that all well-designed schemes and programmes should be implemented within the stipulated timeframe. The review meeting was attended by Health and Family Welfare, Minority Welfare, Haj and Wakf Minister U T Khader; Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rizwan Arshad; BDA Chairman N A Haris; former Minister Rahim Khan; Wakf Board Chairman Ali Baba Hussaini; Minorities Commission Chairman U Nisar Ahmed; Minorities Development Corporation Chairman Altaf Khan; Christian Development Corporation Chairman Japhet; Haj Committee Chairman Tippu; Chief Minister's Economic Adviser L K Atheeq; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Ritesh Kumar Singh; and Minority Welfare Department Secretary Manoj Jain.