Govt committed to bringing minorities into social mainstream:

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday asserted that his government was committed to bringing the minorities "into the social mainstream" by providing them with facilities like education, health care and employment and business opportunities.

At a function organized here at the Chief Minister's secretariat where several schemes targeting the minorities were launched, Kumar also reiterated that he believed in performing "without any compromise on crime, corruption and communalism".

Among the projects that were launched include a new structure for the Anjuman Islamia community centre, inspired by the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, schemes for the betterment of madrassas, development of Waqf property, residential schools for the minority community and coaching facilities to civil service aspirants from the social segment.

"The minority community has a sizeable population of which only a small proportion has been able to join the social mainstream. We are committed to bring the entire community into the mainstream through education, health care, jobs and business opportunities", he said.

"After I assumed power in 2005, a survey was conducted to check the enrolment ratio. It was found that most children who were out of school belonged to the minorities and the Mahadalit groups", Kumar said.

"We have so far taken many steps to bring about a change in the scenario by helping those wanting to pursue education. We are also providing special incentives to those who want to star their own businesses".

"Scholarships for those among the minorities who want to pursue their education but face financial hurldes are also in place. We would not shy away from taking any more steps and launching any new schemes that may be beneficial to the community", he added.

He also called upon the people of the state to maintain social harmony "under all circumstances" and be on guard against attempts to trigger tensions through misuse of the social media.