Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Oct 29: The Karnataka State Minorities Commission has emphasised the need to improve educational opportunities, facilitate access to government jobs and ensure that welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries during a grievance reception programme held at the Netravathi Auditorium of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat on Thursday.

The programme was organised by the Department of Minority Welfare and the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, chaired by U Nisar Ahmed, IAS (Retd.).

The Commission highlighted the importance of improving literacy, encouraging higher education and strengthening academic standards among minority communities. It also stressed the need to improve the quality of education in government schools, which already have infrastructure and equipment supported by public funds.

The Commission also discussed plans to collect information about minority students and educational institutions through an online platform. Students will be able to scan a QR code on the website and fill out an application form. Information about minority institutions, including schools, colleges and religious institutions such as temples, churches and mosques, will be compiled state-wise.

The initiative aims to help eligible candidates access information about government employment opportunities, including recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railways, banking institutions and public-sector undertakings (PSUs). Training and coaching programmes will also be facilitated to help candidates prepare for competitive examinations. The discussion referred to around 1,000 vacancies across various government departments and public-sector organisations.

The Commission further stressed the need to review government welfare schemes across departments and assess whether eligible beneficiaries are receiving the intended benefits. Schemes offered by the Labour Department, including those for street vendors and other eligible groups, were highlighted.

Officials have been directed to organise awareness and application camps in slum areas and other localities instead of relying solely on paperwork. The camps are intended to help eligible people apply for schemes and access benefits directly. The concerned officials have been asked to complete the exercise within one month and submit a report, with follow-up to ensure implementation.

The meeting also discussed coordination with senior police officials, including police commissioners, superintendents of police, deputy superintendents of police and deputy commissioners of police, regarding issues concerning minority communities and the measures being taken to address them.

The Commission called for continued coordination, stronger implementation and sustained follow-up to improve access to education, employment opportunities and government welfare schemes.