Will review schemes for minorities: Khan

For Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan,a critical review of all schemes and programmes to find out if they are reaching the intended beneficiaries and a re-look at the Wakf Bill are on top of his agenda

For Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan,a critical review of all schemes and programmes to find out if they are reaching the intended beneficiaries and a re-look at the Wakf Bill are on top of his agenda.

Immediately after taking charge,Khan made it clear that he wants to ensure that the recommendations of the Sachar Committee are implemented in letter and spirit.

The time has come for us to review whether all the programmes are reaching the beneficiaries, Khan told The Indian Express. He said there have been complaints that the grassroots have not benefitted from programmes designed for minority communities.

Khan said he would ensure the early passage of the Wakf Amendment Bill,which has been referred to a select committee by the Rajya Sabha.

The ministry has already incorporated some of the recommendations of the select committee. My first priority would be to see that the recommendations of the select committee as also the 9th report of the joint parliamentary committee on Wakf are reflected in the Bill, he said.

On whether he would push for further changes in the Bill,he said: We will have a re-look and if necessary,changes will be made.

His other priorities include trying to ensure early passage of the Communal Violence Prevention,Control and Rehabilitation of Victims Bill and fast-tracking the proposal to set up an Equal Opportunities Commission a promise made in the Congress manifesto but on the backburner for long.

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Khan also plans to focus on evolving a consensus on establishing an institution on the lines of Tabung Haji,a subsidy-free Haj pilgrim management institution of Malaysia.

He,however,declined to comment on the quota controversy and demands for providing reservation for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims,saying the issues are sub-judice.

Khan also said the government should not interfere in the madrasa education system.