Mysuru :
The Karnataka State Minorities Commission will soon set up a cell to provide legal assistance to innocent members of minority communities arrested by the Police.
Addressing press persons at the Government Guest House here yesterday, the Commission Chairperson Balkis Banu said that the cell to be headed by a retired Judge, will provide assistance by arranging for lawyers and bearing legal expenditure.
Pointing out that the Commission will ensure that no innocent person is forced to face trouble and difficulties, Balkis Banu expressed concern over increasing instances of arrest of innocent minority communities members by the Police.
The Commission is planning to hold communal harmony meets across the State, particularly in the coastal districts, to eliminate misunderstandings among different communities, she added.
Responding to a question, she said that a report has been sought on the recent arrest of three terror suspects from Bengaluru and Bhatkal.
Balkis Banu also said that she had requested the Home Department for details of the recent arrests, two of whom were arrested in Pulikeshinagar in Bengaluru and one from Bhatkal.
Expressing confidence that the Commission would soon be granted judicial powers, Banu said that Chief Minister Siddharamaiah had agreed in principle to bestow judicial powers to the Commission, that will enable it to summon officials against whom there were complaints. Judicial powers will also allow the Commission to call for official records as documentary evidence, she said adding that at present, the Commission’s summons are not binding on officials.
Continuing, she said the Commission was planning to set up a research centre in the name of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Referring to Bidayi scheme that aimed at providing financial assistance to poor muslim women for marriage, Banu said the Commission has asked the State Government to increase the funding by an additional of Rs. 5 crore, which is now Rs. 5 crore.
Pointing out that the commission had received 543 applications under the scheme in Mysuru district, she said 189 beneficiaries have been selected, who would be provided Rs. 50,000 each.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Thursday – January 22nd, 2015