NCM wants minority body in Orissa

By OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

New Delhi, May 14: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) wants Orissa to set up a State Minorities Commission in the state. The suggestion comes following a recent visit by the NCM vice-chairman Michael Pinto to the state. In his suggestions following the visit, Mr Pinto has said that a minorities commission armed with suitable powers and responsibilities must be established as soon as possible in Orrisa.

Mr Pinto in his report has also said that the state government should immediately extend the policy of giving relief and assistance for rebuilding damaged properties to religious establishments that have suffered untold damage in the riots. This needs to be done on a war footing. This observation has come in the light of the extensive damage to church and church institutions that occurred in the state some months ago following clashes between the Hindus and Christians in the Kandhmal district of Orissa.

The NCM report has also suggested amendments to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana so that roads can be built under the scheme to provide access to even small villages. Further, the report has said that policymakers should try to address the question of the uneven access to the fruits of development so that economic issues are not allowed to degenerate into communal violence.