The Hindu : National : Unrest in the name of religion will spell disaster, says Buddhadeb

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Tuesday, Nov 27, 2007
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Unrest in the name of religion will spell disaster, says Buddhadeb

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee reiterated on Monday the need to isolate forces that were out to undermine communal harmony in the State.

“What we do not want is unrest in the name of religion and caste. If this is allowed, it will spell disaster for all,” he said after disbursing education loans being provided by the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation to Muslim students.

Efforts to improve the lot of the Muslim community in the State should aim at facilitating higher and professional education for the minorities that would equip them to participate in the development of the economy in a more effective manner, Mr Bhattacharjee said.

Reservation of jobs in government services was not the solution to the problem. Neither would it stand the scrutiny of the law.

Criticised report

He criticised the Sachar Committee report for overlooking the fact that distribution of land to the landless in the State had benefited mostly Muslim peasants.

Education loans totalling Rs. 5.85 crores were being disbursed to students belonging to the Muslim community by the WBMDFC, of which Rs 2.34 crores would be given to 274 students during the current fiscal, he added.

Funds allocated

Chairman of the WBMDFC Mohd. Salim said that of the total funds allocated by the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation for self-employment, educational loans and training, 40 per cent was utilised in West Bengal.

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