2016: Year end review of Ministry of Minority Affairs

The Central Government increased the Budgetary Outlay in respect of Ministry of Minority Affairs from Rs. 3712.78 Crore in 2015-16 to Rs. 3800 Crore for 2016-17. The increase is of about Rs. 87 Crore for 2016-17. In addition to these Rs. 3800 Crore the Central Government also channelizes minimum 15% financial resources and physical targets from other flagship schemes of various Ministries/Departments under Prime Minister?s New 15 Point Programme for welfare & development of Minorities. For 2016-17, the Ministry of Minority Affairs prioritized its focus areas in tune with the National priority for educational and economic empowerment through Skill Development.nnThe ?Nai Manzil? scheme was launched, for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme was launched for girls in Srinagar on 20th January, 2016 in three institutions. The institutions are Skill Development Centre, University of Kashmir and two Madarsas (Madarsa Shahi-i-Hamdan in Pampore and Madarsa Imam Sadique in Shadi pur ,Bandipora. Under the scheme girls from minority communities are being imparted three-month skill development training in seven identified sectors relevant to the region. These include training in saffron processing, food processing, embroidery, computers IT (both software and hardware), Tourism/hospitality, electronics and plumbing. Trainees are also given stipend of Rs.4500/-for the course.nn-The Ministry of Minority Affairs organised the two months long cultural spectacle Everlasting Flame International Programme celebrating Multicultural Ethos of the Parsi-Zoroastrian Community. The Everlasting Flame International Programme here today. The Everlasting Flame International Programme presented three exhibitions, titled ?The Everlasting Flame: Zoroastrianism in History and Imagination? at the National Museum, ?Threads of Continuity: Zoroastrian Life and Culture? at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and ?Painted Encounters: Parsi Traders and the Community? at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) along with many cultural and educational programme.nn-The Minority Affairs Ministry launched innovative entrepreneurship and skill development programme of Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS)? through leading national/ international experts in different skill sets. Two training centres of Beauty & Wellness Sector, one in Okhla and another in Daryaganj area were inaugurated for the purpose. In Okhla Centre, Sh. Jawed Habib, known for impetus to revolutionize the art of Hair Styling in India, provides scientific and systematic training to the aspirants wishing to pursue a career in cosmetology. Ms. Shahnaz Hussain imparts training to aspirants at Daryaganj centre in the field of natural care and cure. Speaking on the occasion.nnThe Ministry of Minority Affairs organised ?Hunar Haat? (Skill Haat), an exhibition of handicrafts, embroidery etc made by the artisans from the Minority Communities at the India International Trade Fair. The exhibition was an amazing gathering of artisans from every corner of the country. One of the special feature of this unique ?Hunar Haat? was that besides providing free of cost stall to artisans/craftsmen, the Minority Affairs Ministry also made arrangements for their transport and helped in their daily expenses so that these expert artisans can reach to Delhi easily and display their arts/skills at the international platform in the form of International Trade Fair.nnThe work related to management of Haj pilgrimage, including administration of the Haj Committee Act, 2002 and rules made thereunder has been transferred from Ministry of External Affairs to Ministry of Minority Affairs. Ministry of Minority Affairs has taken over the work of Haj Division of MEA with effect from 1st October, 2016. With the transfer of Haj related works from MEA, M/o Minority Affairs will be the nodal Ministry for all matters related to Haj pilgrimage.nnHajj is one of the most complex organizational tasks undertaken by Government of India outside Indian borders. Indian pilgrims constitute the third largest national group performing the Hajj. It is a yearlong managerial exercise and a part of it for this year pilgrimage was also executed by the Ministry.nn–The Minister of State(IC) Minority Affairs launched and held ?Progress Panchayats?, an information campaign at ground level. ?Progress Panchayat? will prove to be an effective mission for informing people about welfare measures as there is no dearth of schemes and funds for development of Muslim and other Minority communities.nn-The Ministry also launched the trilingual website www.haj.gov.in relating to Haj Matters. The website in Hindi, Urdu and English languages will facilitate online application for Haj. Besides giving information about Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Department, Haj Pilgrimage, rules and regulations on Haj, Haj Committee of India and private tour operators, the website also has Do?s and Don?ts during Haj and also a film informing about various aspects of the pilgrimage.