Implement minority welfare measures soon: PM

He made the observation while reviewing the progress of implementation of the Prime Minister's new 15-point programme for the welfare of minorities at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters.     

"The Prime Minister said that there has been progress indeed, it would be further accelerated," the Finance Minister said.     

He said the report submitted by the Minority Affairs Ministry showed notable progress under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, besides establishment of ITIs, assistance to madarsas and efforts for slum development.     

Under the scheme, scholarships are being given to the students belonging to the minority communities and measures have been taken to improve access to bank credit.     

The Cabinet also approved creation of post of Director and Medical Superintendents for the six new AIIMS-like institutions being set up under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, Chidamabaram said.     

He said this would quicken the process of establishing these institutions.     

An ex-post-facto approval was given by the Cabinet for the signing of an extradition treaty between India and Brazil on April 15 this year. The treaty would provide a legal framework for seeking extradition of terrorists, economic offenders and other criminals.