Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu has urged the civil society to adopt a mutual plan of action to safeguard the rights of minorities and to eliminate any possible exploitation in this regard. The Punjab government has taken concrete steps for the welfare of minorities besides effective legislation. However, a lot more is needed to be done in this regard with the collaboration and mutual understanding of all the stakeholders along with public institutions, he said.
He stated this while presiding over an advocacy meeting of Punjab chapter organised by the National Minorities Rights Network here on Tuesday. Minority MPAs Shehzad Munshi, Kanji Ram, Convener National Minorities Rights Network Sajid Christopher and leaders from all over the province related to human rights organisations attended the meeting.
The participants discussed various issues and problems related to minorities and presented their proposals for their redressal.
Sandhu stressed upon the need to enroll all the minorities along with their family members in the forthcoming census so as to enable Punjab government to increase funds for their welfare and betterment.
He said that Punjab government is providing funds amounting to Rs 30 million for the deserving brilliant children of minorities as educational stipend. He approved to extend the date of submission of applications for educational stipend of minorities till February 15. Sandhu appreciated the role of civil society and NGOs for the protection of rights of minorities.
He also awarded honorary shields to the representatives of different NGOs for the laudable services for the cause of humanity in the province.
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