Sam Paul appointed to PM's 15 Point Programme in AP

The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Dr. Sam Paul to the State Level Committee of Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities.

The Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme aims at providing equal development opportunities to minorities, including providing opportunities for education and ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment.

Paul's appointment as a member of Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme, State Level Committee for Andhra Pradesh was confirmed in an order issued on Aug 8.

The committee is headed by the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, MPs, Secretaries and Heads of Departments implementing the schemes.

"I shall be at the service of the state minorities. The responsibility is big and trust deposed in me is huge," reflected Paul.

The Dalit Christian activist said he hopes to take the 15 Point Programme to every Christian in the state and also meet with Muslims, Sikhs and Jains to enlighten them on the same.

"This will be my witness through my good work to these communities," Paul said.

The Prime Minister's 15 Point Programme promises improved access to school education and scholarships for meritorious students from minority communities.

Besides, it also stresses on self-employment and wage employment for the poor through its initiatives aimed at assisting poor rural families above poverty line by providing them income generating assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy.

The 15 Point Programme has further mentioned the need of prevention of communal incidents by placing district and police officials of the highest known efficiency, impartiality and secular record at communally sensitive and riot prone areas.

It has stressed that severe action should be taken against all those who incite communal tension and victims of communal riots should be given immediate relief and adequate financial assistance.