The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre has taken up various measures for the welfare of minorities in the country, said G.K. Vasan Union Minister for Shipping here on Saturday.
Participating in the Meelad-un-Nabi celebration organised by the Thanjavur Town Meelad Festival Committee, Mr.Vasan said that it was the Congress-led Government which created a separate Ministry for Minority Welfare. Again it was the same Government which created the minority welfare commission.
In this year budget, a sum of Rs.2,600 crore has been allotted for minority welfare. This is 74 per cent more than last year. Mr.Vasan also said that DMK Government in the State is also doing a lot for the welfare of minorities.
It has given reservation for minorities in education and employment. Both the UPA Government at the Centre and DMK Government in the State have cordial relations and have been doing a lot for welfare of minorities. “Minority people should bear this in mind and support the Congress and DMK” he said.
S.S. Palani Manickam, Union Minister of State for Finance, S.N.M. Ubayathullah, State Commercial Taxes Minister participated.
Noorudheen, president of the Thanjavur Town Meelad Festival Committee presided. Asif Ali, co-ordinator of the festival welcomed the gathering.