MsDP renamed as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram: Naqvi

The NDA Government has decided to rename Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP), launched by previous UPA regime, of Union Minority Affairs Ministry as 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram', Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here today.

Naqvi, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) said it will be rechristened to avoid "confusion" about its name and added some more works will be incorporated in the scheme.

"We want to rename MSDP as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. The (name of) MSDP was confusing, so we are renaming it," he said.

The Minister further said the government plans to launch within a week some projects in Haryana including that of constructing a commercial complex, engineering college and girls' hostel in minority-dominated areas of the state on Waqf lands.
 

The BJP-led Haryana government has responded "positively" in this regard, Naqvi added.

"Since these schemes will be benefited in areas dominated by minority populations, these will benefit minorities the most. Our officers will make visits to sites suggested by the state government for executing the projects," he said.

Naqvi said the Central ministry has also spoken to state governments over allotting lands for community centres it plans to set up in association with them for providing facilities like halls for marriages and public meetings.

"The poor can not afford getting such halls (on rent). Hence, we planned such centres," he added.

Among other, Naqvi said, the Ministry has asked state governments to send proposals for toilet constructions (in minority-dominated areas) under Swachh Bharat Mission to the Ministry, which he added, will extend required help.

He also said that Hindi version of the Ministry's website will be launched in a day or two.

A centrally-sponsored scheme, the MsDP was conceived as a special initiative of the follow up action on the Sachar Committee recommendations.

It was approved by UPA Government in the beginning of the 11th Five Year Plan and launched in the year 2008-09 in 90 Minority Concentrations Districts (MCDs).

It is an area development initiative to address development deficits of minority concentration areas by creating socio-economic infrastructure and providing basic amenities.