HimVani
Shimla (Feb 18): Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while presiding over the 5th meeting of Minorities Welfare Board at Dharamsala said that the state government has identified 100 schools each to teach Urdu and Punjabi language where number of students opting for the subject was as per the norms. Chief Minister said that State Government would study the procedure being followed by neighbouring state in respect of mentioning specific ‘religion’ in the ‘caste certificate’ being issued by competent authorities.
Dhumal said that the state government has adopted 15-Point Programme of the Prime Minister with regard to scholarships to minorities by directing educational institutions to identify such students and send their applications direct to the concerned department for implementation. He also underlined the need for sensitization of students about various scholarship schemes. He said that Rs 53 lakh had been disbursed amongst minority students as scholarship. He said that free education facility was available to the girl students from the lowest to the highest level and girls of minorities were also covered under the scheme. Himachal Pradesh government has earmarked Rs 343 crore on various social welfare activities during current financial year to reach every eligible person.
