The National Commission for Minorities has taken a serious note of the complaint of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh regarding the alleged forced conversion of Sikhs and has fixed June 16 as the next date of hearing.
National Commission for Minorities Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura said this while talking to reporters in Kapurthala after presiding over the meeting of minorities in the district administration premises on Monday.
“After looking at the ground reports and evidence of conversion of Sikhs to Christianity, we will act accordingly,” he said, adding that the Center receives around 2,000 complaints on forced conversions every year.
Lalpura said that the commission is working to protect the rights of minorities across the country. Education, employment of minorities and prevention of any discrimination against them is at the top of the agenda of the Commission.
He said an “inter-faith conference” would be organized in New Delhi on June 3, dedicated to the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, in which leaders of all religions would participate and spread the message of universal brotherhood.
The chairman of the commission said that a ‘Sadbhavna Samiti’ should be constituted at the district level, to which the commission would provide Rs 1 crore annually for the welfare of minorities.
The commission reviewed the implementation of the 15-point welfare program for minorities and also met representatives of different religions during a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Special Sarangal and others.
He addressed the development of children through Anganwadi, upliftment of Urdu education, renovation of madrasas, scholarships for minority children, schemes for self-employment, skill development through technical education, financial assistance and loan schemes for economic activities, raising the standard of living. Elevating also reviewed. of minorities, prevention of riots and rehabilitation of victims.
He said the commission has taken up the matter with the Center for a rail stop at Kiratpur Sahib for the convenience of Sikh pilgrims and also with the civil aviation ministry to allow Sikhs to carry small kirpans, which are in five religious symbols. is one of. Which the baptized Sikhs carry with them during domestic flights.