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News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Parliament panel slams Minority Affairs for delay in scholarship approvals
Agency: Last Updated: August 11, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has pulled up the Ministry of Minority Affairs for failing to secure approval for key scholarship schemes meant for minority students. In its Eleventh Report on action taken over the ministry's 2024-25 demands for grants, tabled in Parliament on Monday, the panel noted that the Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Merit-cum-Means scholarships have remained in abeyance since 2022-23 pending 'harmonisation" with similar schemes of other ministries. It said the delay has deprived economically weaker students of crucial support. 'The Committee strongly believe that the education of the students must have suffered due to non-availability of financial assistance to them. The students should not be made to suffer for no fault, concrete steps need to be taken to complete the process in a time-bound manner," it said, adding that the ministry must match benefits available to other marginalised groups. The committee in its Original Report found that several schemes, such as National Fellowship, National Overseas Scholarship, Free Coaching, and Residential Education, are being implemented without any interruption in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. However, these schemes have been discontinued by Minority Affairs, it said. In the absence of these schemes, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is depriving needy and deserving students of minority communities from pursuing higher education, the report read. The committee recommended reconsidering the decision to discontinue the educational schemes for minority communities. On livelihood support, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's vague response on the roll-out of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, formed by merging five earlier programmes. Swipe Left For Next Video View all It said no expenditure was made under the scheme in 2023-24 and stressed that the ministry must fully utilise the 2024-25 budget before the 15th Finance Commission cycle ends in 2025-26. The report said that despite the adoption of the Public Financial Management System and Single Nodal Agency rules by most states, delays in project approvals and execution under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram persist. PTI UZM VN VN (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Parliament panel slams Minority Affairs for delay in scholarship approvals Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Parliament panel slams Minority Affairs for delay in scholarship approvals
New Delhi, The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has pulled up the Ministry of Minority Affairs for failing to secure approval for key scholarship schemes meant for minority students. Parliament panel slams Minority Affairs for delay in scholarship approvals In its Eleventh Report on action taken over the ministry's 2024-25 demands for grants, tabled in Parliament on Monday, the panel noted that the Pre-Matric, Post-Matric and Merit-cum-Means scholarships have remained in abeyance since 2022-23 pending "harmonisation" with similar schemes of other ministries. It said the delay has deprived economically weaker students of crucial support. "The Committee strongly believe that the education of the students must have suffered due to non-availability of financial assistance to them. The students should not be made to suffer for no fault, concrete steps need to be taken to complete the process in a time-bound manner," it said, adding that the ministry must match benefits available to other marginalised groups. The committee in its Original Report found that several schemes, such as National Fellowship, National Overseas Scholarship, Free Coaching, and Residential Education, are being implemented without any interruption in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. However, these schemes have been discontinued by Minority Affairs, it said. In the absence of these schemes, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is depriving needy and deserving students of minority communities from pursuing higher education, the report read. The committee recommended reconsidering the decision to discontinue the educational schemes for minority communities. On livelihood support, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's vague response on the roll-out of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan scheme, formed by merging five earlier programmes. It said no expenditure was made under the scheme in 2023-24 and stressed that the ministry must fully utilise the 2024-25 budget before the 15th Finance Commission cycle ends in 2025-26. The report said that despite the adoption of the Public Financial Management System and Single Nodal Agency rules by most states, delays in project approvals and execution under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram persist. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Erbil hosts Turkish-Iraqi economic roundtable
Shafaq News/ Officials and business leaders from Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkiye met in Erbil on Tuesday to explore ways to strengthen economic ties and address trade-related challenges. A roundtable brought together Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, Minister for Minority Affairs Aydin Maruf, and Turkish Consul General Erman Topcu, along with members of TÜSİAD, chambers of commerce, and leading entrepreneurs. Discussions focused on boosting trade volumes, streamlining customs procedures, and addressing obstacles to investment. Participants also expressed hope that the meeting would lay the groundwork for stronger private-sector partnerships and more efficient economic collaboration. In his remarks, Governor Khoshnaw emphasized the strategic role of the Ibrahim al-Khalil border crossing as a key trade gateway linking Turkiye with Iraq and the broader region. He described Erbil as a 'growing economic hub' and welcomed initiatives that expand cooperation and facilitate cross-border commerce. Trade between Turkiye and Iraq has reached $9.6 billion in the past 10 months, with approximately 30% of this volume—roughly $2.88 billion—accounting for trade with the Kurdistan Region. The economic relationship between Turkiye and Iraq is driven by agriculture, food products, construction materials, and energy, with 1,900 Turkish companies actively operating in the Kurdistan Region.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Pope Francis held India, PM close to his heart
As PM Narendra Modi rightly observed, His Holiness Pope Francis was a 'beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage' in a world fraught with conflicts, violence and despair. His passing has left a profound void that is difficult to fill, marking the end of an era defined by unwavering dedication to unity and hope. Despite being the supreme leader of the Catholic Church, he transcended regional, religious, and cultural divides to become a voice for the voiceless—a true statesman and spiritual guide who exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, infused the papacy with a sense of purpose, emerging as a transformative leader in the Catholic Church. He led by example, embodying the principles he championed throughout his papacy. On April 17, 2025, continuing his cherished Holy Thursday tradition, Pope Francis visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison. In his final outing, despite his frail health, he spent time with the inmates, offering prayers. He gifted each inmate rosaries and copies of the Gospels, reaffirming his commitment to uplifting those on society's margins. Just hours before his death, he met with US Vice-President JD Vance and delivered an Easter message focused on a theme central to his mission: a heartfelt appeal for the better treatment of migrants and other vulnerable, marginalised communities. His papacy was distinguished by a resolute commitment to fostering interfaith understanding, and addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change. Personally, I had the privilege of being chosen by PM Modi to lead a seven-member delegation to the Vatican for the creation ceremony of then Cardinal-designate George Jacob Koovakad, the first Indian Catholic priest to be directly elevated to receive the red biretta, on December 7, 2024. With his ever-smiling demeanor, Pope Francis graciously hosted us. Upon arriving at the hotel, I was unexpectedly summoned by a cardinal to meet the Pope again. The Holy Father handed me a rosary, saying, 'This is for the people of India.' I later learned that such gestures are exceedingly rare. I can confidently affirm that PM Modi and India occupy a cherished place in his thoughts and prayers. This was evident when the Pope told the PM, 'India is the greatest gift you've given me.' Although physically he is no longer among us, Pope Francis will continue to inspire millions to dedicate their lives to serving the poor. George Kurian Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
