Minorities Commission reviews projects, receives petitions in Madurai

As per Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s direction to distribute two acres of land to people of minority communities in each district, the District Collectors were in the process of identifying vacant government lands and allocating them to beneficiaries, said State Minorities Commission Chairman S.J. Joe Arun.

He reviewed the progress of various projects being carried out by the district administration and received petitions from the public.

During a press meet, he said a majority of the grievances were regarding recognition of religious lands and buildings in educational institutions run by minorities. Also, a demand for land allocation for cemeteries and kabristans was raised. The demand had already been submitted to the government, and it was being reviewed, he added.

Mr. Arun said the commission was mandated to protecting the rights of religious and linguistic minorities. It was reviewing whether the welfare assistance stipulated under the Constitution reached the minorities.

Stating that the commission had so far conducted reviews in 25 districts, including Madurai, he said it would give recommendations to the State government for protecting the minorities and improving their livelihood based on the demands raised by the people.

Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar was present.