Jain leaders meet Rahul seeking minority status

A delegation of Jain community leaders, led by Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Jain, met Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi here Sunday and sought his support for the notification of the Jains as a minority community at the national level.

A Congress press release said the Jain leaders told Gandhi about their long-pending demand for a minority status to the community.

Gandhi recognised the role played by the community in the social, cultural and economic development of the country.

"He assured the delegation that he would do his utmost to ensure fair and equitable recognition and representation for the Jain community," the release said.

The delegation told Gandhi that "national minority status" will help the community access central funds meant for welfare programmes and scholarships for minorities.