BJP Government Committed to Minority Development: AMDB Chairman

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 29: The Assam Minority Development Board (AMDB) has seen a world of difference between the present BJP government in Assam and its predecessors insofar as minority politics and development are concerned.

Taking to this reporter on Wednesday, AMDB chairman Muminul Aowal said: “Unlike its predecessors in Assam, the BJP-led government at Dispur has done a lot for the development of minorities in the true sense of the term soon after coming to power in the State. Contrary to the previous governments in Assam using the minorities as vote banks and confining them into a particular religion, the present government has done a lot for the all-round development of minority communities and their areas. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has already had the discussion with various minority communities in the State and taken stock of problems afflicting them. This apart, Sonowal has taken steps for the development of minorities in three core areas – education, health, and communication – so as to ensure their all-round development. In order to develop minority girls in education, the State Government has already made budgetary allocations for the setting up of nine girls’ colleges in minority-dominated areas in the State. In sync with this, the Centre has decided to set up 21 residential schools in minority-inhabited areas in the State. This apart, the government has released scholarships for students belonging to the minority community in the State – Rs 200 crore in 2017-18 and Rs 500 crore in 2018-19. The government has also released Rs 15 crore for the development of skill and technical training for jobless minority youths in the State. This government is committed to ensuring the development of the minority communities keeping pace with other communities in the State.”