The Assam Government has been asked to accelerate implementation of schemes meant for development of minority communities in the state.

This was stated by a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Wednesday.

According to the NCM member, in order to ensure that benefits reach all eligible people at the earliest, the constitution of the minority finance corporation and the minority development commission at the state-level have been emphasized at the earliest.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati at the end of a three-day visit to the state, NCM member Syed Shahezadi said, “I held several meetings during the visit, including with officials, spiritual leaders and the state minority development board.”

“In my meeting with the chief minister yesterday, I have told him that the work being done for the welfare of minorities in the state is satisfactory, but there is a need to further speed it up,” Shahezadi said.

The state minority finance corporation has been defunct for 10 years, while the minority development commission has also not been formed for quiet sometime, she said, adding that such bodies are essential to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach maximum intended beneficiaries.

“The chief minister has responded positively and we will be receiving a detailed report soon on all issues flagged during our meeting with him,” the NCM member said.

Shahezadi stressed that awareness about the schemes for the minorities has to be increased and she underlined the role of spiritual leaders and media in this regard.

She said a WhatsApp group of spiritual leaders of minority communities is being formed so that awareness of the welfare schemes can be done through the religious and other institutions run by them.