K'taka to implement Sachar Commission recommendations

Bangalore, Jul 16 (UNI) Karnataka Government has constituted a committee to implement the recommendations of the Justice Rajendra Sachar Commission on minorities, Minister for Labour and Minorities Welfare Iqbal Ansari, informed to the Karnataka Legislative Council today.

Replying to Congress member Khaji Arshad Ali, during question hours in the house, Mr Ansari said that the Committee, consisting senior officials of the state government was asked to submit its report early.

The minister further said that the JD(S)-BJP coalition government had taken many measures for the welfare of the minorities which had attracted the attention of the neighbouring states. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had appreciated the measures taken by the Karnataka to uplift people belonging to minorities, he said.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who intervened during the discussion said that for the first time the state government had sanctioned more than Rs 100 crore, a three fold increase in grants compared to the previous year, for the benefit of minorities.

Mr Ansari said the state government had released Rs 10 lakh to Karnataka University in Dharwad to set up a study chair on the socioeconomic status of minorities in Karnataka. The University had asked for additional Rs 40 lakh for setting up of the Chair, he added.

UNI