Virudhunagar: Tamil Nadu Minority Welfare Minister S.M. Shahjahan on Saturday said the state government is taking steps to ensure the permanent release of prisoners who have been in jail for more than 25 years.
Speaking in Virudhunagar, the minister said the government is reviewing whether welfare schemes meant for minorities are reaching beneficiaries properly. He added that the state’s financial statement would include additional schemes for Christians and Muslims.
He also said the government plans to roll out a five-year vision programme titled “Vetri Tamilagam”, which will include initiatives for minority communities.
The minister noted that a two-month parole leave granted to long-term prisoners was put on hold due to election model code of conduct restrictions, and said it would be resumed. He added that the government is also working towards their permanent release.
Shahjahan further said a request has been made to raise the 3.5% reservation for Muslims to 5%, and asserted that the administration would function without bribery and corruption.
