Union Minority ministry seek Rs 700 crore World Bank loan

KOLKATA: The Centre has sought a financial assistance of Rs 700 crore from the World Bank for a vocational skill training programme under the " Nai Manzil" project, Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla said today.

The 'Nai Manzil' programme also seeks to bridge the knowledge gap of school drop-outs and students passing out of the conventional system (from Madrasas) and facilitating their getting admission into mainstream schools and colleges.

Heptulla said "loans had already been sought from the World Bank".

The World Bank, she said, was impressed with the scheme and looking to replicate the same in South East Asia countries and in Africa.

While the programme is under implementation, the loan will help strengthen the scheme, she said.

Heptulla was in the city to launch the MUDRA Bank schemes.

She said Centre was also keen in commercial development of Waqf properties that would help generate at least Rs 12,000 crore per annum according to 2006 estimates.

It is at present, awaiting a Bill - Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill 2014 - that will help it take action and free Waqf properties illegally occupied.

The state government's help will also be sought in that regard, she said.

The Bill has already been cleared by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

"Digitisation of Waqf properties have begun. And it will help us identify these properties too," the minister said.