Call for state panel for minorities

Shillong ,May 2: The member of National Commission For Minorities, Rinchen Lhamo has called for formation of state commission for minorities to empower the minorities.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Lhamo said there is an urgent need to set up a minority commission in Meghalaya.

To a question on minority status to Seng Khasi, Niamtre and Songsarek, the member said if representations are submitted, the matter will be examined.

Currently, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Budhists, Parsis, and Jains are in the list of minorities in the country.

When asked, the member said the issue of majority communities like Hindus becoming minorities in Meghalaya is yet to be addressed as she cannot comment on the matter since it is pending in the court.

“We want to ensure that both minority and majority communities grow together. That will ensure peace and harmony”, she said.

Schemes for minorities

For educational empowerment, pre-matric scholarship, post matric scholarship, fellowship, merit scholarship among others are provided by the ministry, she added.

According to Lhamo, if “we create awareness on these schemes, then the students can get the benefits”.

After Class 12, there are many coaching schemes for all professional courses and Rs 1 lakh each is provided by the concerned ministry for candidates. This will have to be availed by the students, she said.

Earlier on Sunday, Lhamo had discussion with the heads of all religious institutions in the state.