The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) organized a national conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on education, inclusion, and the empowerment of minority communities in India. The event brought together key policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring equitable opportunities and welfare for minorities, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, inaugurated the conference as the Guest of Honour by lighting the ceremonial lamp. In his address, Kurian reaffirmed the government’s dedication to uplifting minority communities, emphasizing the wide range of schemes and initiatives aimed at their welfare. He also stressed that minorities in India enjoy greater safety and security compared to some neighbouring countries.
NCM Chairman, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, opened the conference with a keynote address, highlighting the contributions of minority communities to nation-building. He reiterated the commission’s role as a platform to address key issues, welcoming diverse perspectives from the participants and emphasizing the importance of incorporating best practices from various State Minority Commissions.
The conference included insightful discussions on education and minority inclusion. One of the sessions focused on ensuring access to education for minorities, examining the role of communities, particularly the Christian community, in the education sector. Discussions cantered on the challenges faced by minority students and institutions, while solutions for fostering inclusive education were proposed.
Another session highlighted the need for government intervention to empower minorities and ensure their inclusive development. Panellists stressed the importance of targeted welfare programs and sustainable initiatives aimed at uplifting minority communities.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, attended the event as the Chief Guest and delivered a special address, reaffirming the government’s commitment to minority welfare. Rijiju highlighted the work of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) in supporting minority entrepreneurs, citing Kerala as an example of successful minority business initiatives. He emphasized the importance of organizing similar conferences across the country to exchange best practices and announced that a meeting with state minority affairs ministers would be convened to address key concerns.
Rijiju also assured that the Ministry would consider requests from state governments for additional funding to strengthen schemes aimed at empowering minorities, ensuring inclusive development across the country. He concluded by reiterating the government’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” emphasizing equal opportunities and security for minorities in India.
