News Desk
KARACHI, July 25, 2024:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has instructed the Minorities Affairs Department to fully utilize the Rs 1 billion allocated for financial assistance, medical treatment, scholarships, marriage assistance, natural calamity assistance, and pilgrimage assistance for the province’s minority communities.
During a meeting at the CM House, Shah reiterated the provincial government’s commitment, driven by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to uplift minority communities through substantial support and resources. “The mandate of the Minorities Affairs Department is to safeguard and promote the welfare of minorities,” Murad Ali Shah stated.
Shah highlighted that approximately 4,157,880 people from minority groups in Sindh face economic and social segregation. This population includes 460,000 Christians, 3,592,500 Hindus, and 105,380 individuals from other minority communities.
To support minority girls pursuing education, Shah announced the initiation of two hostels in Karachi. He also stressed the urgency of welfare activities such as financial aid and scholarship programs, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the Rs 1 billion allocation effectively.
The meeting revealed that Sindh has 911 religious sites, including 734 temples, 141 churches, 23 Gurdwaras, and one Parsi place of worship. Shah directed the department to expedite repairs and expansions of these sites. Additionally, Rs366.463 million was allocated for installing CCTV cameras at 253 sensitive temples and other religious sites.
MPA Mukesh Chawla, head of the 17-member Non-Muslim Welfare Committee, provided a detailed breakdown of funds for various assistance programs: Rs580 million for repairs and maintenance, Rs150 million for financial assistance, Rs120 million for medical treatment, Rs50 million for scholarships, Rs50 million for marriage, Rs20 million for natural calamities, and Rs30 million for pilgrimage (Yatra).
Chawla explained that financial aid ranges from Rs5,000 to Rs15,000 for the needy, up to four times a year, and one-time educational assistance up to Rs250,000 for deserving students. Medical treatment assistance of Rs200,000, marriage assistance of Rs50,000, and up to Rs500,000 for individuals affected by natural calamities are also available.
Shah approved the establishment of two hostels for underprivileged girls at Swami Narayan Mandir in Karachi, allocating Rs20 million for 2024-25. Special Assistants to the CM, Rajveer Singh and Lal Chand Ukrani, highlighted funding shortfalls, prompting Shah to approve an additional Rs600 million.
Projects requiring expedited completion include the extension of Dharamshala in Larkana, construction at Hindu Massan, rehabilitation of Hindu Massan and Kandhkot Darbar, and renovation of Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar in Jacobabad. Shah directed the department to complete these projects within the year, promising additional funds if necessary.
This initiative underscores the Sindh government’s commitment to improving the living conditions and welfare of minority communities in the province.