A decision to provide handsome grants to meritorious girl students from minority communities has been taken by the state government to help them pursue higher studies, Uttarakhnad Chief Minister Harish Rawat said today.
Announcing this at the launch of a Haj training programme here under the aegis of the State Haj Committee, Rawat said a slew of similar other welfare measures are in the pipeline to bring about a qualitative change in the lives of the minority communities.
He said Madarsas across Uttarakhand are being recognised in large numbers.
"Madarsas are being recognised in large numbers and promising girl students from the minority communities who secure more than 60 per cent marks in high school will be given Rs 15,000 as grant whereas those securing more than 60 per cent marks in intermediate will be given Rs 25,000 as grant to pursue higher studies," he said.
A decision to this effect has already been taken by the state government, he said, adding that, educating children about the world is as important today as educating them about their religion.
Several other measures are also being considered for the welfare of the minority communities by the state government including safety of the graveyards in urban areas by securing their boundary walls, he said.
Congratulating those whose names have been cleared for the Haj pilgrimage this year, Rawat said they are fortunate to have been among the chosen few by the Allah for the most sacred journey.
He said if possible, he will try to be personally present in Delhi to give Haj pilgrims a warm sendoff.
If he is not there due to some unforeseen preoccupation he will definitely send Parliamentary Secretary Furkan Ahmad as his representative for the purpose.
