Maharashtra framing policy to develop skills of minority youth

The BJP-led government in Maharashtra is drafting a new policy to focus on the skill development of youth from the minority community.
Confirming the development, Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil said, "We are indeed planning a policy that will focus on the skill development of the minority community. We will formally announce it as soon as it is completely framed".
An official from the state Home department said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has held around ten meetings with ministers of departments like social welfare, education, health, minority, water resources, women and child development, skill development and others that determine the Human Development Index.

"We are looking at target areas with a majority of people from the minority community. Places like Malegaon, Aurangabad and even places like Kurla in Mumbai where minorities reside will also be a part of this skill development programme," the official said.
The official said that around Rs 700 crore will be allocated for the comprehensive programme in five years and Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 will be spent on every child from the minority community.
The official said that while the policy would focus on bringing children from the minority community to the mainstream, it would also help prevent "radicalisation" of youth by anti-social elements.

"We plan to bring around 5 lakh students into the mainstream every year through this programme. Only when youth are financially secure, will it be possible to eliminate anti-social elements," the official said.