Modi government committed to empowerment of minorities: Najma Heptulla

MUMBAI: The Modi government believes in a secular India and is committed to the empowerment of the minorities in order to achieve its aim of inclusive growth, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla today said.

The BJP-led Government deeply values the diversity among minorities and believes that India's biggest strength lies in its 'Unity in Diversity', she said.

The government is committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of India's minority communities and to their social and economic empowerment in order to achieve an inclusive growth, Heptulla said.

Speaking at a programme organised by Indo-Arab Society at Islam Gymkhana here, she emphasised on the participation of minorities in various walks of life and society.

"Being a country of plural ethnicities, religions, languages and cultures, participation of minorities in various areas of life is essential for the development and for building of a truly inclusive society."

The Modi government believes in a secular India where people are treated equally, and in extending identical opportunities to all groups irrespective of religious, ethnic and linguistic distinctions, she maintained.

The veteran Parliamentarian said tolerance towards diversity was the building block of Indian society.

She mentioned about her Department's scheme, 'Hamari Dharohar', which she said is designed specifically for helping minorities preserve their culture and heritage.

Heptulla reiterated her Ministry's vision to uplift India's diverse, rich and vibrant minority communities and to create an enabling environment for their collective progress.

Fair representation of minorities in India's political discourse will enhance receptivity to policies and maximise the country's development potential, she added.

She said her Ministry hopes to help achieve the Prime Minister's vision of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' (together with all, development for all) by promoting inclusion of minorities in the social, economic and political spheres.