In a significant development aimed at inclusive growth, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt Savitri Thakur, held a high-level meeting with Professor (Dr) Shahid Akhter, officiating Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), in New Delhi. The discussion focused on developing a coordinated strategy to align minority educational rights with the government’s flagship welfare programmes for women and children.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of bridging policy frameworks to ensure benefits reach marginalised communities effectively.
Professor Akhter outlined the mandate of the NCMEI as a statutory quasi-judicial body tasked with protecting educational rights under Article 30(1) of the Constitution. He highlighted its role in addressing grievances related to minority status and ensuring institutional protections.
The meeting explored ways to integrate this mandate with key grassroots schemes such as:
- Poshan Abhiyaan and Beti Bachao,
- Beti Padhao
The collaboration aims to enhance outreach and provide targeted support to minority women and children.
During the interaction, Professor Akhter presented the Minister with his authored book on the Waqf framework, along with the publication ‘Darpan Desh’. The exchange reflected a shared commitment to knowledge-driven policymaking and culturally informed development approaches.
Professor Akhter, an academic associated with Jamia Millia Islamia, has also been leading institutional reforms. These include the introduction of a digital portal to streamline processes for minority educational institutions.
Smt Savitri Thakur, who represents a tribal constituency in Madhya Pradesh, brings extensive grassroots experience to her ministerial role. Her focus on women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and rural development aligns with the broader objectives discussed during the meeting.
Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration between the NCMEI and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The proposed synergy is expected to expand access to education, improve nutritional outcomes, and empower minority women.
Professor Akhter described the meeting as “productive and encouraging”. He further noted that such coordination would play a vital role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He added that it would foster inclusive and sustainable development.
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