Minorities Welfare Minister reviews implementation of schemes in Kanniyakumari

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Ministers S. Rajesh Kumar and A. M. Shahjahan handing over welfare measures to a beneficiary at a function held in Nagercoil on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Minister for Minorities Welfare A. M. Shahjahan on Saturday held a review meeting with department officials along with Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar at the Kanniyakumari district Collectorate in Nagercoil.

Following the meeting, the Ministers also distributed welfare assistance to the beneficiaries.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shahjahan said Kanniyakumai being the home to a large number of minorities, the meeting was held to review the implementation of schemes and ensure that the benefits allocated to minorities have reached the intended beneficiaries. The meeting also reviewed the challenges faced by the members of the minority communities.

He added that ₹2 crore has been allocated for the renovation of St. Mary’s Basilica in Mulagumoodu, a demand from the district and the fund will be released within the next 15 days. Funds have also been allocated for the construction of compound walls at Kabarsthan-burial grounds for Muslims at Kalkulam and Padmanabhapuram and funds for the same will be released within the next 10 days, he added.

He noted, for the first time, interest free revolving funds of ₹100 crore has been introduced to build commercial complexes and wedding halls on the lands owned by churches and mosques to increase their income.

Mr. Shahjahan added that skill development training programmes will be provided to 10,000 youth to promote employment and self-employment for minority youth.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rajesh Kumar said that the Minorities Welfare department has announced several schemes to meet the needs of minorities living in 38 districts of the State. He added that the demand for the prayer centre at Kanniyakumari Government Medical College Hospital in Asaripallam will be reviewed and appropriate action will be taken.

Kanniyakumari district Collector M. Prathap, MLAs Thalavai Sundaram, R. Chellaswamy, T. T. Praveen and officials from various departments were present.

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