In a bid to dent the traditional Muslim vote bank of Samajwadi Party ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Monday announced a number of schemes, including setting up of an Arabic-Persian university in the state.
"The government will establish an Arabic-Persian university in state capital Lucknow and we have allocated Rs 10 crore for the purpose. Besides, the number of madrasas on government grant-list will also be increased from 360 to 460," Mayawati said, addressing a national convention on the 'Problems of Muslim Community: Reasons and Solutions' in Lucknow.
She also announced grant of Rs two crore to Waqf Board, establishment of Unani medicine directorate, increased income limit for scholarships to minority students from Rs 18,700 to Rs one lakh and Manyawar Kanshiram employment scheme.
The BSP chief also offered to set up a coaching institute for civil service aspirants from minority community and allocated Rs four crore for the purpose.
Mayawati said, besides filling up of vacancies of Urdu teachers, the government would make arrangement of Urdu teaching in 964 primary and 1,212 higher secondary schools and open two new schools for girls.
The grant of Rs one crore for marriage of girls of minority community would be raised to Rs 12 crore. The government would file an SLP (special leave petition) in the Supreme Court to ensure opening up of a minority institution, plan for which was at halt after a high court order on Aug 24, 2006.