Director of Minority Affairs, Shashank Pratap Singh, IAS, said that the Directorate of Minority Affairs was created by the Nagaland Government right after the State General Election 2023. Singh said this during a sensitization and awareness programme at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner in Chumoukedima on 12th July 2024. The seminar was organized by the Directorate of Minority Affairs.
He stated that the Government of India, in 1992, established the National Commission for Minorities, a separate body mandated to protect and promote the rights and interests of minority communities. He pointed out that Nagas are tribals and that the identity of the indigenous people has been very strong in socio-cultural aspects, but not in political or administrative aspects. Hence, the State Government acknowledged these issues and created a department dedicated to the rights and interests of the minority community.
Singh mentioned that there is no state-wise category of minorities; all states follow the list provided by the National Commission. He stated that it is the mandate of the department to reach the last person in Nagaland from the minority community, to inform them about their rights and the available schemes.
He further highlighted various schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), which is an infrastructure development program. It identifies minority percentage blocks, and those blocks where the minority population is more than 25% can take up projects to fill the gaps in various socio-economic indicators.
He also pointed out that earlier in Nagaland, Niuland block was the only eligible block for PMJVK. However, with the state government highlighting the issues to the Ministry, all blocks in Nagaland are now eligible to take up projects under PMJVK. He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme, which is for the promotion of handicrafts and artisans but also includes infrastructure building.
DC, Chumoukedima, Abhinav Shivam, IAS, appreciated the team from the Directorate of Minority Affairs for conducting the awareness program. He hoped that the program will benefit the attendees and will spread awareness about the schemes and programs of the Minority Affairs Department.