Cabinet approves Minorities Development Department

Mumbai, Dec 17 (UNI) Maharashtra government has approved the formation of a Minorities Development Department as a separate administrative department.

A decision to this effect was taken at the Cabinet meeing chaired by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today.

This department will handle all the minorities-related subjects as well those suggested by the Sachchar Committee. A secretary will be appointed for the department.

The new department will look after controlling the functioning of the Haj committee and coordination, issuing no objection certificates to educational institutions, and other related works.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved formation of State Information Commissioner's office.

A decision was also taken to provide mid-day meal to students from sixth to eighth standards from January 1 which will benefit 404,891 students.

The Cabinet approved providing compensation to farmers in case of damage to their crops by elephants. The compensation will be based on the average produce for the last eight years.

UNI