Premier Singh yesterday executed his first government reshuffle, creating 19 new ministeries. A new minister for Minority Afairs, "racial politics a great sign for the countries christian communities".
New Delhi (AsiaNews) The creation of a new Ministry for Minority Affairs is a "positive sign" for India's Christian communities, even more so the appointment to the post of A. R. Antulay, ex provicial prime minister of del Maharashtra, an "a seasoned politician with an impeccable secular image".
With these words John Dayal, President of All India Catholic Union, comments on the cabinet re-shuffle carried out by Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh 20 months on from his election, which concluded with the creation of 19 new ministries, at a political level "a noteable gesture" .
"Let us welcome Antulay - writes Dayal in a press release published immediatly after the nomination and the creation of this new ministry, which assures a role in the governement for minorities while also assuring a greater control of those groups which continue to terrorize the population and have yet to be brought to justice".
"Antulay adds the human rights activist - will be able to help the government devise holistic plans for ensuring communal harmony and making sure minorities are full beneficiaries of the economic boom the country has seen".
"let us hope he continues that the minister will take action on the conditions of minorities, Various laws have to be reviewed and new laws formulated, as in case of Christian adoption and marriage laws,".
"The community he concludes invites Barrister Antulay, to call a national meeting of religious and community leaders to take a social audit of their needs so that government, planning commission and the courts can together take adequate steps for the social security and economic health of all religious minorities".