DMC prepares graveyards’ list encroached by govt, others

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 14

Delhi Minority Commission (DMC) chairman Zafrul Islam Khan said that a list of graveyards of Muslims and Christians that had been encroached by the government departments as well as private persons has been prepared. The list will be handed over to the government very soon.

He said there are 700 graveyards of Muslims in government records. Only 131 graveyards are being maintained. As population has increased, more graveyards are needed. When the community asks the government for land, it is refused on grounds of scarcity.

He demanded the government to hand over the graveyards that belongs to the community.

At a meeting with the NGOs empanelled with the DMC, Khan said that government had various schemes for welfare of minorities but people are unaware of them. The NGOs should popularise those schemes. Previous years, various colleges had refused to accept the minority certificate for admitting the students. This issue was raised with the authorities concerned and 1,700 students got admission in subjects of their choice.

Reimbursement scheme is very old. In the past, a large number of students got benefit. Still, this needs to be publicised. There is no limit. Lakhs of students can get benefits from the scheme, he said.

Sister Anstasiya Gill, DMC member, also spoke on the occasion saying that the commission has organised various programmes for minorities. NGOs should come forward and work for the needy with the commission.