Modi Sarkar@2: Take the cue from PM and party president, no one else, says Najma A Heptulla

Sunday ET catches up with Najma Heptullah on her views on two years of the Modi government.

On the achievements
It is not on one front but on many fronts. Through programmes such as Nai Manzil (for training madrasa students), Seekho aur Kamao (skill development) and programmes to check dropout rates, we have initiatives for the development of the underprivileged. The prime minister himself talks about sabka saath, sabka vikas.

On MPs making controversial statements
We should take the cue from the prime minister and the president of the party and no one else. Also, do we hear such noises now? Those who said that have apologised already.

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On the targets
We are working for the revival of art and craft industry across the country such as wooden toy market of Varanasi, which is primarily carried out by people from the minority communities. Broadly, education and economic empowerment of the minorities are our main focus areas.

On whether Modi government is doing enough for the minorities
The Modi government is doing more than what the previous government even talked about on the right of minorities and secularism. The message comes from the top and the commitment of the entire government is there.

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On the level of freedom in Modi government
I am given full operational freedom.

On the need for Uniform Civil Code
It is not just the Muslims who have their own personal laws. Even the Christians have that. If there are practices that are harmful to anybody, they need a rethink. It is not a question of Uniform Civil Code but a code that is civilised towards all. Customs change according to the needs of the people. If change has to come, it has to come from within — whether it is the Muslim or any other community. I have six communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and Jains) and not just Muslims under me. If the Sikhs feel that there is a need, they should initiate talks for change. Let the change come from within (the community).