Union Minister of State for Minority and Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi met State Ministers and secretaries in charge of minority affairs in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pudhucherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands at a review meeting on Friday.
Mr. Naqvi said Sadhbhav Mandaps (Centres of Harmony) would be constructed in properties owned by Wakf Boards across India.
“These centres can be used for community and social purposes such as weddings, sports and other activities. We are planning to start construction of over 1,000 such mandaps,” said Minority affairs minister, Mr. Naqvi.
Stating that State governments had a key role to play to improve social and economic conditions of the minority community, he said the Centre would make available enough funds to carry out the schemes.
“From September 29, I will start ‘Progress Panchayat’ aimed at providing information of welfare schemes to the common people. The government will take suggestions from the people for utilisation of funds meant for development,” Mr. Naqi said.
Strategies
Addressing the review meeting, Mr. Naqvi said the Minority Affairs Ministry had been working on two strategies to free properties from the clutches of “Wakf mafias” and work on their development and protection.
“I have directed all State Wakf Boards to register the Wakf properties online on a war-footing,” he said.
Over 1,000 mandaps will be built for social purposes such as weddings, sports and other events
