AMN /MUMBAI

Mukhtar-Abbas-Naqvi 2Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said, education should be the first priority for the country as it is the “golden key” to ensure constitutional and social security of citizens, especially girls.

Addressing a programme at Anjuman-a-Islam Girls High School in suburban Mumbai, Mr Naqvi said education is a very strong tool for development and the government is committed to educational empowerment of the minorities.

He said, this year, the focus of the minority affairs ministry will be on better education and employment-oriented skill development of girls. Mr Naqvi said that the Centre will provide financial aid to institutes which are being established and run on waqf properties and engaged in educational activities.

The minister said, in the last three years, the schemes to provide employment opportunities to more than 8.5 lakh people from minority communities have been successful.