Daily Times

PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has taken special measures for safeguarding and protecting the rights of minorities. An allocation of Rs 90 million has been made for the renovation and beatification of temples, churches and gurdwaras. Similarly, stipends, textbooks and free uniform will also be provided to students of minority community.

It is learnt that sufficient funds have been set aside to complete the ongoing projects initiated for the welfare of minorities in the financial year 2015-16, which include special packages for financial assistance including Jahez Fund and health cover of minorities, construction of residential colonies, worship places, protection walls around minorities graveyards, special package for Kalash community, foolproof security arrangements for worship places of minorities, and a special project for construction of a Hindu temple in district Karak. Likewise, skill enhancement scheme was initiated to provide free skill training to the youth at a cost of Rs 9.855 million. More than 300 male and female candidates were imparted free skill training in the trade of beautification, tailoring, computer, mobile, electrician, air conditioning and plumbing.

An amount of Rs 700 was given to the participants as toolkit charges. Another significant project was scholarships for minority students from intermediate level to master level education worth Rs 4.03 million. Under the programme, 134 scholarships were awarded ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 55,000 per student in various level and disciplines. The basic objective behind the scheme was to enable the students to get higher education and play their due role in the development of their community and the country.