Awards for noted minority members

Islamabad—Ministry of National Harmony has proposed restoration of cultural awards for those minority members of society who have done some remarkable job in a particular field of life.

According to a summary prepared by the ministry whose copy is with Pakistan Observer, some 14 persons would be given cash awards amounting to Rs50,000 each for their contribution in the development and service to the country.

The awards will be given in the categories of interfaith harmony, folk arts, education, sports, engineering, computer sciences, medicines, etc. So far, some 97 people from minority groups have been conferred these awards since their inception in 1976 up to 2006.

After devolution of Minority Ministry in the post-18th Amendment scenario conferring these awards was delayed. Now the ministry has moved a summary to reconstitute a committee in this connection as formerly members on the committee were taken from the ministries of Education, Health, Culture, Sports and Minorities which no longer exist after the 18th Amendment. Summary of the new names will soon be put up before the Prime Minister for approval, an official of the ministry told Pakistan Observer Tuesday.

“New members from new ministries would be proposed to reconstitute committee for minority cultural awards and the government has already allocated Rs10 million funds for these awards,” the official said.

Those who wanted to be considered for these awards would be asked to fill in a nomination form and send it to the ministry’s headquarters.

“All the federal ministries, divisions, provincial governments and the governments of AJK and Gilgit Baltistan will be asked to send the names and the whole process will be completed by July in every year,” he said.

He said the awards would be conferred even on those minority members who have passed but contributed in some way to the good of the country and society.