Kargil, May 02, 2023: National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India, member, Rinchen Lhamo today visited Drass to discuss the implementation of the Prime Minister’s new 15 point program, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and issues faced by the minority communities of Drass.

The visit was also aimed to formulate the overall policy, coordination, evaluation and review of the regulatory framework and development programs for the benefit of the minority communities.

Ashraf Ali, Member of Moulana Azad Education Foundation, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Councilor Bhimbhat, Lower constituency,  SDM Drass, representatives of Old Hanafia Jamia Masjid, Imam Alhadees Muradbagh, President Gousia Jamia Masjid, Imam Noorbaksha Jamia Masjid, concerned officers, villagers and others were present on the occasion.

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During the visit, the Member NCM interacted with the heads of religious organizations at Conference Hall Dak Bungalow, Drass and inquired about the facilities.

The religious heads requested her that the benefits of minorities given in other parts of India should be implemented as Drass is the second coldest inhabitant place in the world. They also requested to install the central heating system in all the govt. schools in Drass.

She also inquired various revenue records and directed the Tehsildar Drass to submit a detailed report to her office.

The religious heads also requested the member NCM on quality education, promotion of tourism to generate employment, issuance of ALC Certificate, restoration of Pawan Hans Heli Service in Drass, separate Girls Higher Secondary School in Drass, hostels for Higher Secondary School and College students in Drass, 02 separate Councilors, separate district for Drass, teaching faculty members at the HSS, additional space to perform religious congregation, restoration of Border Area Development Programme (BADP), wages for laborers, additional staff at Sub Division Hospital and other issues.

Lhamo gave a patient hearing to the requests and said that the Ministry will make all the effort for the formulation of overall policy and planning and assured to redress all the issues with the concerned departments on priority.

She said that if the grievances are not sorted at the district level, then it will be discussed at UT and at the Union Government level, it will be taken up with the Ministry.

Lhamo said the government is implementing a 15-point program formulated by the Union Government aimed to implement the schemes being formulated for the welfare of minorities living in India.

The NCM primarily works for the welfare of six minorities including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Parses’. The commission runs several programs to provide financial assistance to students belonging to minority communities.

Member of NCM said the commission helps students to pay for their education from Secondary classes to doctorate level. She also informed about various schemes such as “Seekho Aur Kamaw” of the ministry and said that the ministry is introducing new schemes for the welfare of minority students.