Modi government's work will be more evident in future: Heptulla

Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla has said that the impact of the Narendra Modi government's work will be more evident in the future as comprehensive development plans have been unveiled over the past 20 months.

In an interview with ETV, Heptulla said Prime Minister Naerndra Modi was very focused on his job.

"Sabka saath, sabka vikas (trust of all, development of all) was his slogan and he has instituted the required vehicles like Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Bank, Skill India, Start up India, Stand up India, Make in India and Digital India to directly connect with people," Heptulla said, adding that the National Democratic Alliance government has introduced several schemes for the poor and marginalized sections.

"The effect of the work will be witnessed more in the future. Others also raised slogans of development but it (the action plan) should be comprehensive. Narendra Modi has made a comprehensive programme and is working hard. He has an eye on every work. He is aware of every issue," Heptulla said.

Answering a query, Heptulla said she would derive satisfaction from how many students are able to get education and training and are able to take benefit of job opportunities.

She said her ministry was laying thrust on skill development programmes for children from the minority community.

Referring to initiatives such as "Nai Manzil", she said it will address the educational and livelihood needs of minority communities in general and Muslims in particular.

She said the the programme had earned recognition from the World Bank, which had also provided a loan.

Nai Manzil seeks to bridge the academic and skill development gaps of the "deeni Madrasa passouts" and their "mainstream counterparts".

Heptulla also referred to USTAAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts for Development) and said the scheme aims at improving skills in preservation of traditional crafts of minorities.