Monday, September 11 2006 16:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Concerned over the slow implementation of welfare schemes for minorities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked the Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories to set targets for such projects under a new Central 15-point programme.

The move assumes significance in the backdrop of the September 8 Malegaon blasts that took a heavy human toll and the upcoming Assembly elections in several states, including Uttar Pradesh.

In his letter written yesterday to the CMs, Singh asked them to put in place mechanisms to monitor implementation of these programmes so that they receive due attention at the highest level.

The Prime Minister said the implementation of the schemes would be monitored by a committee of secretaries at the Centre that would submit a report to the Union Cabinet.

The government finalised the new programme as the benefits of the earlier ones had not percolated down to the intended beneficiaries.

"The importance of maintenance of communal peace and harmony and provision of a fair share in central and state government employment including the public sector undertakings, to the minorities remains undiluted and these continue to be fundamental constituents of the revised programme," he said.