By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 18 Dec: The State Minorities Commission of Uttarakhand organised a programme, today, at the Minorities Welfare Bhawan under the chairmanship of Dr P Satish John, Vice Chairman, to celebrate World Minorities Day
The main speaker on the occasion was Captain Aloke Shekhar Tiwari, Additional Secretary and Director of Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare Department. Others present included L Ashughosh, Raees Fatima, Gurmeet Singh Duggal (Members of the Commission), Jamir Ahmed (Finance Officer, Minorities Welfare Department), Dhirendra Singh Datal (Additional Secretary and Managing Director, Minorities Finance and Wakf Development Corporation), Akilakh Ahemad (Sub-Registrar, Madraasa Board), SS Rawat (Manager, Finance and Wakf Vikas Nigam), Ramesh Lal Tamta (Legal Officer), Jeet Singh Rawat (Secretary, OBC Commission), SS Rawat (Secretary, Minorities Commission), Staff of the Directorate and representatives of various minority communities.
Dr P Satish John explained in his welcome address various constitutional rights of the minorities and requested every one to help in safeguarding them. He added that all across the state in the police stations, on this World Minorities’ Day, awareness programmes had been organised. He wished the police success in this effort and thanked the Director General, Police, for taking this up in a sincere manner.
Captain Tiwari appealed in his speech to be proactive in implementing all the minorities’ welfare schemes as well as to strengthen their constitutional rights. SS Rawat, Secretary, explained the duties and work of the Minorities’ Commission. He gave examples of cases taken up and solved by the commission in the recent past. Akilak Ahmad explained the various schemes available for the minorities under the Madrassa Board and SS Rawat made those present aware of the various welfare schemes available through the Nigam.
Ashighosh and Fatima spoke of how important it was to maintain peace and unity while protecting religious practices and beliefs. Shama Parveen (Personal Assistance Director) explained how important it was for women of the minority community to be aware of their rights and powers. Dhirendra Singh Datal proposed the vote of thanks. SS Rawat conducted the meeting.
