'Modi govt working for socio-economic upliftment of minorities'

Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that Modi government is giving emphasis that all minorities should have equal opportunities, especially in education and employment to ensure that there is socio-economic upliftment.

New Delhi: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that the approach towards minorities have undergone fundamental change after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014 and now all communities are looked at as equal citizens.

Speaking on the occasion of 'Minorities Day' at Scope Complex in New Delhi, Hardeep Singh Puri said, "Modi government is giving emphasis that all minorities should have equal opportunities, especially in education and employment to ensure that there is socio-economic upliftment. These guarantees are essential in a democratic and pluralistic society."

While addressing the gathering, Hardeep Singh Puri said that few focused areas being improved upon in the Prime Minister's new 15-point programme for the minorities welfare are increasing educational opportunities, particular focus on the educational and social development of Muslim women, measures are also being taken to promote Urdu, the number of educational scholarships is also being increased so that every minority student has access to scholarships till the university level.

On the occasion of Minorities Day, Union Minister appreciated the National Commission for Minorities for felicitating the COVID warriors from minority communities. The Commission facilitated 12 covid warriors from all the six notified minority communities in appreciation of their exemplary contribution to the society during the pandemic.

Puri said PM's call of "Vocal for Local", a success, minorities themselves are taking initiative and participating in schemes like Make in India, Start-Up India, etc. With greater coordination, all minorities will be empowered economically and will move together for the development of the country to take it to the next level.