Date:29/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/29/stories/2007032904930500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Awaaz activists stage protest

Staff Reporter

Seek jobs for minorities

DRAWING ATTENTION: Women of minority communities taking out a procession seeking jobs in Anantapur on Wednesday.

ANANTAPUR: Activists of Awaaz, a forum for the development of minorities affiliated to the CPI(M), took out a procession to the district office of AP Minorities' Development Corporation in the collectorate and staged a dharna in front of the office here on Wednesday.

A large number of women also participated in the protest lead by M. Abdul Nafi, M. Imtiaz and Rasool. Speaking at the dharna they asked the State Government to provide employment opportunities to the youth of minorities, set up Urdu schools and hostels, form SHGs for women of minority communities and extend financial assistance to all eligible poor for self-employment.

They also demanded sanction of scholarships to all students of minorities, welfare pension to the aged, widow and physically handicapped among minorities and supply of sewing machines to women. They also submitted a memorandum to the officials of the corporation.