NEW DELHI : Conceding that the benefits of developmental schemes had not "flowed equitably to the eligible sections among the minorities," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said they should get a fair share of the jobs in the State and Central Governments, besides in the private sector.

Addressing the annual conference of the State Minorities Commissions here, Dr. Singh, the first Prime Minister to attend a function organised by the National Commission for Minorities, said: "The Indian state has the solemn obligation to protect [the] life and liberty of all citizens, particularly those belonging to the minority communities. Those who seek to disturb communal peace and harmony must be dealt with firmly.''

Dr. Singh said lack of access to the common school system was the main factor in the socio-economic backwardness of minority communities, especially Muslims and more specifically girls of the community. He said concrete schemes for setting up secondary and higher secondary schools in blocks and districts with a predominant Muslim population should be implemented for girls during X and XI Plans.

Also, their access to professional education, particularly medical and engineering courses, should be enhanced.

"India must remain a nation where pluralism and socio-religious variety are respected. In a pluralistic society like ours, national identity cannot be adjudged by any litmus test ... This nation does not belong to any single race, least of all to any group of religious extremists.''

Union Minister for Minority Affairs A.R. Antulay said Dr. Singh's presence at the meeting indicated the importance the Government attached to the minorities.

Commission Chairman Hamid Ansari said: "It signifies a purpose, suggests an approach, indicates a willingness to hear — in this case a cry in which anguish and expectations alternate — and to redress."

Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh said the minorities wanted more than promises as the fruits of development had not spread evenly.

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