New Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Thursday that the issue to uplift the welfare of minorities in the country should be taken up as a "duty" and not a mere formality.
"We will have to treat the issue of uplift of minorities as a duty and not a formality. For the last several decades, only formality was done in the name of development of minorities," Naqvi said in a press statement here.
Due to such policies, he said, the minorities were left behind on the path of progress and prosperity.
"We have to work towards empowerment of minorities with complete honesty," Naqvi said.
The minister asserted that there is no lack of funds for the welfare of the minorities but what is necessary is effective implementation and for this officials have to play an important role.
Naqvi, who was earlier this week given the independent charge of the ministry after resignation of Najma Heptullah, said he would soon meet officials and review the implementation of various schemes of the minorities.
--IANS
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