CM exhorts minorities to assert rights
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 18 2014:
Chief Minister O Ibobi has exhorted all the minority communities of the State to assert and fight for the rights and opportunities entitled to them.
He was speaking at the Minority Rights Day held today at Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound under the aegis of the Manipur State Minorities Commission.
Apart from Chief Minister O Ibobi, Manipur State Minorities Commission chairperson A Helim Choudhury, Parliamentary Secretary (MOBC) Md Amin Shah, Wakf Board Manipur Chairman Md Fazur Rahim, MLA Dr Ng Bijoy, MLA Y Surchandra, MLA Kh Devendro, MLA Paonam Brojen and Manipur State Minorities Commission member Dr MS Ningomba and Rev N Devendra were also seated on the dais.
Ibobi stated that the country can be developed when only the socio-economic status and educational level of minorities are alleviated.
No one should object when minorities assert for their rights and shares.
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At the same time, people belonging to minority communities should fear none in fighting for their rights.
Noting that the socio-economic status and educational level of Meitei Pangals have improved considerably, Ibobi said that there are many doctors, engineers and police officers not only among males but also among females belonging to Meitei Pangal community.
Many women Meitei Pangals have cracked competitive exams conducted by Manipur Public Service Commission.
There is four per cent reservation for minorities but if they can compete in the general category, it is a lot better, Ibobi asserted.
Talking about modernisation of Madrassas, Ibobi highlighted the need to thrash out the conflict between Maulvis of religious education and teachers of modern education.
Stating that communal harmony should be promoted under any circumstances, Ibobi called upon all the people to remain on guard against communal elements.
Helim Choudhury said that educational level of Meitei Pangals has improved considerable since the Minority Commission was set up.
He also urged the Chief Minister to upgrade all schools located in areas inhabited by Meitei Pangals up to the level of High Schools and raise the Commission's manpower in order to facilitate education of girl students belonging to Meitei Pangals.
MOBEDS Project Director Salauddin Khan gave a detailed report on the various projects and programmes taken up by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Department of MOBC, Government of Manipur and their subordinate agencies for the welfare of minority communities.
He said that a training course for 115 minority students on front office management, food and beverage service and house keeping would be organised at Classic Hospitality Institute under the sponsorship of MOBC.