Date:06/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/06/stories/2007110650630100.htm

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VS promises social equity for Muslims

Staff Reporter

Haj house: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurating the State Haj House near Calicut International Airport at Karipur on Monday.

KARIPUR: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has assured the Muslim community that his government will address any shortfall in bringing about social equity to the community.

An 11-member committee headed by Local Administration Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty will examine the backwardness of the community and immediate remedial measures will be taken on the basis of the panel’s recommendations, he said.

The Chief Minister made the assurance while inaugurating the State Haj House near the Calicut International Airport here on Monday.

Mr. Achuthanandan said that Muslims in Kerala were better off than their counterparts in other States, thanks to governmental measures and attitudes.

He said the Haj House had been among the priorities of the Left Democratic Front government, and therefore it could be completed in record time of less than eight months.

The State Haj Committee constructed the Rs.5.5-crore structure capable of offering camp facilities for thousands of pilgrims with the funding of the State and Central governments as well as philanthropists.

A large number of dignitaries, including Ministers, MLAs and religious leaders, were present at the inaugural function. Presiding over the function, Mr. Paloli described the Haj House as a dream come true.

Leading the opening prayer, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State president Panakkad Sayed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal said that the Haj House was the pride of Kerala.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed was the chief guest at the function.

Kozhikode Collector A. Jayathilak presented a report.