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Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

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accommodation. Social welfare residential schools provide educa-tion that is<br />

necessary to successfully take the qualifying examination.<br />

In order to support minority communities and to provide them equal<br />

opportunities for growth and advancement, separate schools are being run to<br />

benefit students belonging to linguistic and religious groups. We have<br />

proposed to introduce area-wise intensive program for educationally backward<br />

communities. We have enhanced the curriculum <strong>of</strong> Madarsa education by<br />

introducing subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Studies and English<br />

along with computer training. Providing equal opportunities to minorities is<br />

the need <strong>of</strong> the hour. So, we chose to provide 4 per cent reservation for<br />

backward Muslims in all pr<strong>of</strong>essional courses.<br />

We are particular about the welfare <strong>of</strong> minorities, as it is our responsibility<br />

to infuse a sense <strong>of</strong> confidence and security among all groups. In Andhra<br />

Pradesh, we have set up a separate department for the welfare <strong>of</strong> Christian<br />

minorities. In an unprecedented move, we have taken steps to increase even<br />

the police force by 37,000 policemen. We are taking all necessary steps to<br />

protect the secular character <strong>of</strong> the State and to promote harmonious coexistence<br />

<strong>of</strong> all sections <strong>of</strong> people.<br />

In the recent past, some parts <strong>of</strong> the country were disturbed by a rash <strong>of</strong><br />

communal disturbances. We understand that were engineered by vested<br />

interests or anti social elements. I am sure that everyone will agree with the<br />

view that long-lasting communal harmony is a precondition for emotional<br />

integration. This requires dispassionate implementation <strong>of</strong> some immediate as<br />

well as long- term measures.<br />

Joint advisory committees might be constituted at the Government level,<br />

involving prominent personalities belonging to all major communities. Such<br />

panels can periodically have dialogues with religious leaders. They can help<br />

in conflict resolution in normal circumstances and contain the spread <strong>of</strong><br />

communal canker whenever there is trouble in some part <strong>of</strong> the country.<br />

With due respect to media houses, I must say that I find it distasteful to<br />

view repeat telecasts <strong>of</strong> communal disturbances even if the incidents take place<br />

in some remote places. Unwarranted repeat telecast <strong>of</strong> such stray incidents could<br />

stoke communal trouble in other places. Considering the immediate impact that<br />

media has on people, I feel that media should show restraint in reporting<br />

incidents <strong>of</strong> communal nature and thus help in promoting communal harmony.<br />

117

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