Pics: Joshwa D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Aug 17: “After Siddaramaiah government came to power the minority commission has received the power of a civil court,” said Balkees Banu, the chairman of state minority commission.

She was addressing the media persons in the Bishop’s house premises after meeting the Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius D'Souza, on Wednesday August 17.

“Even though the minority commission existed, it was limited to just provide the recommendation letters. Now since the special power has been granted along with hearing the issues of the minorities, we will be able to dispense the compensation as well. Chief minister Siddaramaiah is supporting the minorities in various aspects. If there are any issues, solution can be sought after writing to the minority commission. Already we have received 400 applications.” she said.

“Many institutions are facing the minority certificate issue. Earlier minority status used to be given to an institution if 75 percent of the students were minorities. But now the state government has reduced this to 25 percent and we are thinking to give the minority status to these institutions run by Catholics, Muslims, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists.” she added.

“Earlier the education department had the power to give the certificate. Now we are thinking to give this certificate through national and state minority commissions. This might solve the issues of the minority institutions,” she said.

St Thomas School Issue

Speaking about the raid by members of Sri Ram Sena in the St Thomas School at Bondanthila few days ago, she said,”The classes were conducted to attract more students and it was following the request from the parents. And Arabic was taught not during the school hours. Hence the raid was a grave mistake by the Sri Ram Sena members. We will take measures so that such incidents are not repeated. Teaching the languages like Arabic will help the ones going abroad to earn their daily bread. Even the Supreme Court has permitted the schools to teach new languages under three language schemes, if the parents urge for the same,” she added.

The chairman also visited St Thomas School and obtained the information about the raid. She also spoke to the Bishop and assured to help in this regard to the institutions run by the diocese.

Chief whip of legislative council Ivan D'souza, in-charge member of the commission for Dakshina Kannada Marcel Monteiro, PRO of the Mangaluru Diocese Fr Williaam Menezes, commissioner of the commission Sadhika, Elias Fernandes, Rachana president Gilbert D'Souza and others were present on the occasion.