Congress Pledges to Implement Sachar Committee Report for Minority Upliftment if Voted to Power in Delhi: Imran Masood
Congress Pledges to Implement Sachar Committee Report for Minority Upliftment if Voted to Power in Delhi: Imran Masood
Congress MP Imran Masood stated that the party’s manifesto for the Delhi Assembly elections reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting minorities. He emphasized that Congress aims to bring marginalized communities into the mainstream by implementing various developmental schemes once it comes to power in Delhi. Masood accused both the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP of neglecting and suppressing minority interests for the past decade. He also highlighted the efforts of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in fighting for the rights and development of minorities, SC/STs, backward classes, and other disadvantaged groups.
Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) office, Rajiv Bhawan, Masood asserted that the Congress manifesto is comprehensive in ensuring the progress of minorities and underprivileged communities, who, according to him, have suffered under AAP’s rule in Delhi and BJP’s governance at the Centre. He was accompanied by AICC national spokesperson Abhay Dubey.
Masood recalled that on March 9, 2005, the Congress-led UPA government had formed a high-level Sachar Committee to recommend measures for the economic, social, and educational advancement of the Muslim community. Out of the 76 recommendations made by the committee, 73 were accepted, and 72 were implemented (with four under judicial review). He noted that the Congress government had introduced the Prime Minister’s 15-point action plan based on the Sachar Committee report, which focused on expanding educational opportunities, ensuring equal financial and employment access, and preventing communal violence and social unrest.
Masood criticized both the Modi and Kejriwal governments for drastically reducing budget allocations for minority welfare and cutting scholarships for children from minority communities. He alleged that Kejriwal’s anti-minority stance became evident during events such as the anti-CAA protests, the Jahangirpuri communal violence, and the Delhi riots.
Outlining Congress’ commitments, Masood stated that the party plans to revive the Punjabi Academy, establish a Punjabi Chair at JNU, and strengthen the Delhi SC/ST, Minority, and Handicapped Development Finance Corporation to provide low-interest loans for business startups. Congress will also prioritize filling vacancies for Urdu, Punjabi, and Bhojpuri teachers, set up a university in honor of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, establish a Jain Welfare Board, convene the Delhi Waqf Board, and ensure timely payments to Imams and Muezzins.
Additionally, Masood criticized the BJP’s upcoming film on the Delhi riots, scheduled for release on February 2, 2025. He revealed that Congress had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the film but had yet to receive a response.
Swimmi Srivastava
**Swimmi Shrivastava** Swimmi Shrivastava is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience across diverse beats, including politics, elections, civic affairs, water resources, power sector, and more. Currently serving as a Senior Sub-Editor at *The Daily Guardian*, she is renowned for her insightful news reports, engaging blogs, and thought-provoking articles. An alumnus of Delhi University, Swimmi further honed her journalistic expertise by earning a diploma in Print Media Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to impactful storytelling.