Nasir Asserts Overall Development For Every Section
Equal opportunities for minorities highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 18 2012: Agriculture Minister Md Abdul Nasir has asserted that overall development of a Nation would be a reality only when every section of the society enjoys equal socio-political and economic rights.

Speaking as the chief guest at the observance of Minorities Rights Day organised by Manipur state Minorities Commission at Kangla Hall today, Minister Nasir opined that deprivation of socio-political or economic rights to any community cannot be a symbol of national prosperity but rather pose as a hurdle to the goal of development.

Noting Manipuri society's multi-ethnic characteristics and applauding the people for maintaining amity amongst all the indigenous communities, he stated that the state will achieve remarkable progress on all fronts if the people have work culture.

Pointing to work culture as the basis for development, Md Nasir affirmed that there is no reason why Manipuris should lag behind in any field for achievement by its sportspersons is an indication that the State has the potential to excel.

Members seated on the dais during the function

He also stated that even though 20 percent of India's total population comprise of minorities there is no cause to despair as there are equal opportunities and enough rooms for every community to grow and prosper.

With regard to socio-economic condition of the minority communities in Manipur, the Minister assured that he along with other MLAs representing the minorities would initiate all possible measures for the welfare of the minorities.

In his address Wabagai AC MLA Md Fajur Rahim called upon the religious heads for judicious implementation of various welfare projects being undertaken by the Govt.The practice of Madrassa functionaries mis-utilising funds provided for development of education among the minority Muslims and favouritism in effecting appointments in the madrassas should be done away with to ensure muslim students enjoy all the facilities to excel in the field of education, said the MLA as one of the guests of honour of the observance.

While Parliamentary Secretary (MOBC & SC/Sc & tech) Amin Shah presided over the observance, Commission chairperson A Halim chowdhury and its members Prof MS Ningomba and Rev N Debendra Singh were the other guests of honour.

Earlier, presenting the key note address (Sr MCS) MA Salam highlighted that in the global perspective declaration of the Bill of Rights in the United States of America in 1776, which aimed at protecting rights of the Blacks, consequent to the war of independence in the 16th century was the genesis for promulgation of similar rights in other parts of the world.

While that world was a witness to different forms of uprising on the issue of protecting human rights and rights of the minorities, the then Hungary Parliament adopted Minority Protection Act in July 1849 which provided further momentum in enacting legislation for protecting rights of the minorities in other parts of the world, he said.

At the international level, approval by the UN member nations at the 1966 Geneva Convention marked the beginning of international laws for safeguarding minority rights, Salam informed.

He, however, opined that welfare schemes meant for the minority communities of Manipur seemed to be lacking justification and cited lack of information or awareness on such welfare projects by the minority communities settled in Jiribam area to substantiate his contention.