15% quota for minorities in housing schemes not new decision: Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Housing and Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan on Friday said that the decision to reserve 15 per cent in housing schemes for the minority community is not a new one, as it was recommended back in 2019 by a cabinet sub-committee formed during the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
He clarified that, as per the Sachar Committee report, the central government already provides 15 per cent reservation for minorities in housing schemes, and there was a demand to implement a similar model in the state as well. Hence the central model has been adopted.
The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to enhance the reservation for minorities under various housing schemes in the state from 10 to 15 per cent, a move which the opposition BJP has slammed, calling it "unconstitutional" and "appeasement".
"The cabinet sub-committee that was constituted during the 2019 coalition government has made this recommendation. Now, the proposal has been brought before the cabinet and approved. The existing reservation of 10 per cent has now been increased to 15 per cent," Khan said in a statement.
He said a large number of poor families exist within the minority community and many are without proper housing, and therefore, there was a longstanding demand to increase the reservation percentage.
The minister also pointed out that the National Commission for Minorities in 2021 had recommended the implementation of a 15 per cent reservation.
"Without understanding these factual points, the opposition parties are making unnecessary criticisms, which is not appropriate," he added.
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Delhi Police announces Safe City expansion, new facilities on 79th Raising Day
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police announced a series of infrastructure and technology upgrades under the Safe City Project, including the expansion of surveillance systems and construction of new facilities, on the occasion of its 79th Raising Day.
Officials said that under the project, the Command and Control Centre will be further strengthened and several CCTV cameras have already been installed across the national capital. The surveillance system is equipped with advanced features such as hand-gesture recognition, facial detection and overcrowding alerts to enhance real-time monitoring.
"Mobile command vehicles will also be deployed to improve on-ground coordination during emergencies and major events," a senior police officer said.
The Special Cell headquarters will be constructed in Lodhi Colony to bolster operational efficiency. In addition, three new police stations and six police chowkis will be set up.
A seven-floor hostel for women police personnel will be built in Rohini, with accommodation capacity for 132 staff members, officials said.
