AICC welcomes formation of Minority Welfare Ministry

New Delhi – The recent formation of the Minority Welfare Ministry and the appointment of noted Barrister Abdul Rahman Antulay as its head is a “positive step by the UPA government” and have been welcomed by the All India Christian Council (AICC).

“During the five years of the NDA regime, the minorities suffered attacks like never before because of certain communal right–wing militant organizations taking advantage of their vulnerability. This is a historic moment for the nation unequalled by any other administration that it is during the term of the UPA in office that a separate Ministry for the minorities has been formed,” said AICC general secretary Dr. Abraham Mathai in a press release. “This positive step by the UPA government will ensure that the indelible memories of the Gujarat genocide will never be repeated and the rights of minorities safeguarded through state apparatus.”

“This historic decision of the UPA is also a public acknowledgement endorsing the fact that the actual progress of the nation lies at the development of the minorities and the weaker sections of society which is the index for measuring progress,” he said.

The appointment was the United Progressive Alliance government's signal to religious minorities that it "means business in safeguarding their security (and) in ensuring their economic development," said John Dayal, secretary general, AICC.

The move had assured minorities of "an integral role in governance and in checking social and political communal groups who continue to terrorise the people and have escaped punishment for their past misdeeds," said Dayal, a member of the National Integration Council (NIC).

"Antulay would be able to help the government devise holistic plans for ensuring communal harmony and making sure minorities are full beneficiaries of the economic boom the country has seen," he said.

AICC has urged Antulay “to call a national meeting of religious and community leaders to take a social audit of their needs so that the government, the Planning Commission, and courts can together take adequate steps for the social security and economic health of all religious minorities.”