Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: Minority doesn't mean only Muslims

Naqvi said that the government in last five year had connected 308 minority districts under the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram' (PMJVK) scheme which were limited to 90 districts in the UPA government

New Delhi: Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said that the term minority doesn't denote only Muslims and that there are five other notified minorities: Jains, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Sikhs.

The minister also replied to a supplementary question in the Lok Sabha. Naqvi said that the government in last five year had connected 308 minority districts under the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram' (PMJVK) scheme which were limited to 90 districts in the UPA government.

"Over 870 blocks, 321 towns and 109 district headquarters have been connected with PMJVK scheme. There is not a single district where this scheme is not benefiting minorities," Naqvi said.

The Minister said over three crores notified minorities had got scholarships under the scheme.

"Our commitment is empowerment without appeasement and development with dignity," he said.

With inputs from IANS

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!