KARGIL: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Sh Kiran Rijiju, during his visit to Kargil, announced major development initiatives aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of minorities in Ladakh on Sunday.
Sh Rijiju made the announcements while participating in a Beneficiary Interaction Programme organized by Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation (JKLFC) in collaboration with National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). The programme highlighted a strong commitment to fostering socio-economic development through financial assistance and support.
The minister officially announced the sanction of Rs 10 crore to Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) for the financial year 2024-25. This funding aims to expand the reach and impact of NMDFC's loan schemes in the region.
Additionally, NMDFC has issued a sanction of Rs 21 crore to JKLFC for the year 2024-25. Upon utilization of these funds, further funds can also be sanctioned. It is believed that out of the sanctioned amount, beneficiaries of Leh and Kargil will be given more focus under education loans and new and innovative schemes that generate more wage employment.
Sh Rijiju emphasized the transformative effects these schemes have had on minority communities, encouraging beneficiaries to share feedback and suggestions for further enhancements. The session also provided a valuable platform for beneficiaries to offer feedback on the schemes and suggest areas for improvement to better meet the community's needs.
The Beneficiary Interaction Programme concluded with expressions of heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, organizers, and participants for their active involvement and contributions to the event's success. The programme not only celebrated the achievements of NMDFC schemes but also reinforced the collective commitment to the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, there are four channelizing agencies of NMDFC providing financial assistance to minority communities. Since the inception of NMDFC, an amount of Rs. 548 crore has been disbursed in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, assisting over 51,000 beneficiaries. Sh. Rijiju expressed immense pleasure in announcing that since 2014-15, NMDFC has released Rs. 466 crore, i.e., 85 per cent of the total funding in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the tagline "Sabka Sath - Sabka Vikas".
Later, Sh Rijiju paid a visit to Muharram Majalis (gatherings) at Anjuman e Jamiat ul Ulema Isna Ashariya Kargil (AJUIAK) and Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) Kargil. He met with with religious leaders including President AJUIAK, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi and Chairman IKMT Kargil, Sheikh Sadiq Rajai, as well as other religious scholars, reinforcing the importance of unity and understanding within the community.
