:
(a) whether some States are lagging behind in implementation of welfare programmes
meant for minorities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures taken by the Union Government for effective implementation of those
programmes in all States?
THE MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI A.R. ANTULAY) :
(a) to (c) It is true that National Minority Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
which finances developmental activities for minorities faces problems of poor recovery of
loans, staff shortage, inadequate equity contributions by State Governments, reluctance of
the State Government to extend adequate guarantees etc. These problems are taken up with the
State Govenrments. The Government has recently announced Prime Minister`s New 15 Point
Programme for the Welfare of Minorities in order to ensure that the benefits of the programme
reach the minorities. Wherever possible, 15% of targets and outlays have been earmarked for
the notified minorities under various schemes of the programme. Arrangements have also been
made for closer monitoring of the programme.