In a significant move towards fostering education, welfare, and economic growth among minority communities in Karnataka, the state government has unveiled a series of initiatives.
The centerpiece of these initiatives is the upgrading of 117 Maulana Azad Model Schools and Urdu Schools into Karnataka Public Schools at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore. An additional 100 schools are slated for similar upgrades, with a budget allocation of Rs 400 crore.
The government is also planning to establish 10 Saint Shishunala Shariff Residential Schools, following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. Further plans include an expansion to 25 such schools next year.
To support higher education for meritorious yet economically disadvantaged minority students, the government has allocated funds for the distribution of laptops worth Rs 50,000 each to 5,000 students.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive development of various communities, an allocation of Rs 100 crore has been made for the advancement of Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. This includes a monthly honorarium of Rs 6,000 for Dhammacharis of the Buddhist community.
In an effort to expand the reach of influential social reformers’ works, the writings of Dr BR Ambedkar and other reformers will be translated into Urdu.
To encourage self-employment among unemployed minority youth, the government has proposed a 75 percent subsidy, capped at Rs 3 lakh, for starting fast-food truck trailers and mobile kitchen businesses.
Lastly, the government plans to develop Waqf properties in prime commercial areas through a Public-Private Partnership model, aiming to enhance their utilization and generate higher revenue.
These comprehensive initiatives underscore the Karnataka government’s commitment to empowering and uplifting minority communities across various sectors.
