Ibobi vows pro-active panel
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2011: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has pledged to strengthen the State Minorities Commission so that the commission can work more effectively for welfare of the minorities.

He was speaking at the Minority Rights Day organised by the State Minorities Commission at Kangla Hall today.

Recommendations made by the Minorities Commission would be put into action, if they are reasonable, Ibobi stated while clarifying that there was no question of the Government neglecting the commission.

Whereas Chief Minister O Ibobi was the chief guest, MOBC Minister Allaudin Khan presided the function.

MLA Helaluddin Khan, Manipur State Minorities Commission Chairman Helim Choudhury, Commissioner Members MS Ningomba and N Debendra also attended the observance as guests of honour.

Ibobi exhorted that all the people of Manipur should give up the notion of being either majority or minority.

Pointing out that the Constitution of India guarantees protection of all communities, Ibobi asserted that all the citizens of India would get equal opportunities as India is a democratic country which believes in secularism.

The Government of Manipur has reserved four per cent seats for minorities during recruitment in Government offices and admission in educational institutions.

He also directed the Minorities Commission to ensure that the minorities are fully aware of the several welfare schemes taken up by the Government so that they can avail the benefits of these schemes.

Maximum efforts would be put in to install all the requisite infrastructure in order to strengthen the Manipur State Minorities Commission before the election code of conduct comes into effect.

Stating that all the Madrassas of Manipur have been given recognition by the Education (Schools) Department, Ibobi said that the Government has been working to introduce other subjects in addition to Urdu being taught in the Madrassas.

For this, necessary teachers shall be appointed before the election code of conduct comes into force, he affirmed.

Helim Choudhury said that the commission is not only for Muslims but also incorporates Meitei Christians.

He lamented that the Manipur State Minorities Commission remains very weak with no proper infrastructure and shortage in staff strength.

MOBED Project Director Salaudin Khan elaborated on the programmes and schemes taken up for welfare of minorities as well as the Prime Minister's 15 Point Programme.

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