Ensure welfare schemes reach minorities in Uttara Kannada without delay: Minorities Commission chairman directs officials

Karwar, 17 June: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Karnataka State Minorities Commission Chairman U. Nisar Ahmed has directed officials to ensure that minority communities receive the full benefits of government welfare schemes without delay.

Chairing a review meeting on the implementation of the Prime Minister's New 15-Point Programme at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Karwar on Tuesday, Ahmed stressed the need for better coordination among departments to improve the educational and socio-economic conditions of minorities in Uttara Kannada district.

He instructed officials from the Education Department and the Women and Child Development Department to closely monitor enrolment of minority students and ensure that no child drops out of school. He also directed authorities to address teacher shortages in minority educational institutions and provide basic facilities such as toilets and drinking water.

Seeking a detailed assessment of educational progress, Ahmed asked officials to submit within 10 days a report on student enrolment, dropout rates and SSLC examination participation over the last decade.

Highlighting educational opportunities, he said banks offer education loans of up to ₹7.5 lakh without collateral and urged students to make use of the facility. He also directed Lead Bank officials to increase the sanction of educational loans for eligible applicants.

Ahmed reminded urban local bodies that government guidelines require 15 per cent of welfare scheme funds to be earmarked for minority development. He instructed municipal bodies in the district to strictly follow the provision.

Referring to civic issues in Bhatkal, he called for early action to resolve problems linked to the town's underground drainage system.

The chairman also directed the Labour Department to organise special outreach camps in minority-dominated areas across all taluks to help people access government welfare schemes. He specifically instructed officials to conduct a special camp in Bhatkal within a week and submit a compliance report.

Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmi Priya, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dileesh Shashi, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N., Special Duty Officer Mujibulla Jafari, District Minority Welfare Officer Satish and officials from various departments attended the meeting.