Addressing a joint session of parliament on February 22 president said that credit flows to the minority communities have risen to Rs. 82000 crore in 2008-09, which exceeds 12% of the total priority sector lending. She also said that recruitment of minorities to posts under the Central Government has gone up steadily.

“In fresh recruitments, minority representation has increased from 7% in 2006-07 to more than 9% in 2008-09” she emphasized.

Mrs. Patil expressed satisfaction over the on going work in the minority concentration districts through Multi-sectoral Development Programme.

She said that the three scholarship schemes started in 2007-08 have received an overwhelming response. “The number of scholarships awarded has gone up to nearly 15 lakh. Girls constitute a very significant proportion of the awardees”, she said.

President also promised that the UPA government will bring a proposal to amend the Waqf Act during this session of Parliament. She also said that the government proposes to move for the early passage of the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005, in this Session of Parliament.

Pledging that the government is deeply committed to protecting social fabric of the country the president said that unity and social harmony is the best answer to the terrorists and their divisive designs.