The Hindu Business Line : Minorities body to get more funds

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Human Resource Development Minister, Mr Arjun Singh, at a seminar in the Capital on Saturday. — Kamal Narang

New Delhi , July 3

THE Government will increase fund allocation to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

NMDFC provides micro finance, educational loans, design development and marketing assistance to artisans in the minority section and finance for income generating activities at concessional rate of interest. It provides easy finances to minority communities with an annual income below Rs 40,000 in rural areas and Rs 55,000 in urban areas.

At a conference on `Minority Welfare and Education', the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said, ``Additional funds will be allocated to NMDFC to ensure its effective functioning''

The PM also announced proposals to set up two commissions to provide direct affiliation for minority professional institutions with central universities and enhance the welfare of backward sections among religious and linguistic minorities through reservations in education and employment.

Referring to the Government's common minimum programme (CMP), he said, ``We propose to establish a commission for minority educational institutions to provide direct affiliation of minority professional institutions with the central universities. We will promote modern and technical education among all minority communities."