''Minorities in Himachal unaware of welfare schemes''

Dharamsala, Feb 24 (PTI) Most people belonging to theminority communities in Himachal Pradesh are unaware of thevarious developmental schemes instituted by the centre, amember of the Minority Commission of India said here today.

"Most of them are unaware of various schemes includingthe scholarship schemes for students and loan schemes forpeople belonging to minority communities," S Angmo, member ofthe Minority Commission of India told PTI.

She said the state department of social justice andempowerment must work hard to make people aware of theseschemes so that these communities can benefit.

"15 of the 15 point plan is being spent for thedevelopment of the minorities, so that they can get the equalopportunities," Angmo said, adding that she will recommendsetting up of a branch of the Minorities Finance commission atDharamsala.

At present there is only one branch in Himachal Pradeshat Shimla.

She said mobile schools and hostels should be built inthe remote areas of the state for the minorities.

Representatives of various minority communities includingSikhs, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians met Angmo here.

While members of the Christian community raised thedemand to take the Christ Church of Shimla under WorldHeritage, the Buddhists emphasised the need to include Bhotilanguage in the 8th schedule.

Bhoti is spoken in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh region ofJammu and Kashmir and Lahoul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.