Minorities Commission takes up complaints of reluctance by banks to extend loans to beneficiaries from minority communities

The reported reluctance by banks to extend loans to beneficiaries of government schemes belonging to minority communities was taken up during a meeting chaired by Chairman of Karnataka State Minorities Commission U. Nisar Ahmed in Chamarajanagar.

During a district-level review meeting on the implementation of the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme in Chamarajanagar on Saturday, Mr. Ahmed noted that complaints had been received regarding banks’ reluctance to extend loans to beneficiaries from minority communities.

Seeking details on the number of beneficiaries who had received loans so far, he said complaints had also been received that educational loan applications submitted by students were still pending with banks. He instructed banks and officials concerned to expedite loan disbursement and submit details of the beneficiaries who had been provided loans.

He further said that all eligible street vendors should receive the loan facilities intended for them.

While the government departments implementing housing schemes should ensure that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries on time in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, Mr. Ahmed said officials should meet the beneficiaries wherever they are facing difficulties, and take steps to ensure the early completion of housing projects.

He instructed officials to collect accurate data on the number of children belonging to minority communities studying in anganwadis and schools. “Greater attention should be paid to ensuring their enrolment and continued attendance. Since the Right to Education Act is in force, minority children should not be deprived of educational opportunities,” he said while emphasising that schools should not face shortages of teachers.

He directed officials to ensure that welfare schemes and benefits available under various government departments are delivered effectively and in accordance with rules to minority communities.

The Commission is monitoring how effectively various welfare schemes are reaching minority beneficiaries. Facilities related to housing, education, loans, skill development, and other departmental programmes should be made available to eligible minorities within the stipulated timeframe, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Shreeroopa said camps should be organised at the taluk level to improve access to Labour Department schemes.

Extensive awareness should be created about the benefits available under various government programmes, and officials should strictly implement schemes meant for minority communities, she added.

The meeting was also attended by Chamarajanagar Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mona Roth, Deputy Secretary of Zilla Panchayat Shruthi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sneharaj, Karnataka State Minorities Commission Secretary Majuddin Khan, Special Duty Officer Mujibulla Jafari, Chamarajanagar District Minority Welfare Officer Guddappa, Lead Bank Manager Surekha, and officials from various departments.