For minorities

With Dastur Khurshed Dastoor appointed as member of the National Commission for Minorities, I hope with the government’s cooperation he is able to address the following points for the politico-socio-economic welfare of the community:
Parsi/Irani patients, especially those whose income is less than five lakhs per annum, admitted in hospitals built by Parsi Zarthoshtis like J. J., Tata Memorial, etc should be given free treatment.
In the Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils of Maharashtra, Gujarat, etc at least one nominated member should be of Parsi/Irani Zarthoshti origin. Further, there should be reservation of at least one percent if not five percent for Parsis in government service appointments, especially in the judiciary, military and police. In educational institutions built by Parsis viz Tata Institute of Social Sciences, J. J. School of Architecture, etc at least two percent seats should be allocated to Parsi/Irani students. Similarly in premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, medical and engineering colleges at least one percent should be reserved for Parsi/Irani students.
To save anjuman properties that are encroached upon by unscrupulous elements, the state and central government must help protect them.
Since the best quality of sheep wool that is woven into kustis is imported from Australia, the government must reduce import duty and other taxes so that the wool can be supplied at a discounted rate. The cost of kusti at present is around Rs 3,000 depending upon its length and quality. Likewise provision should be made for bawal wood which is used for 24 hours to keep the holy fires burning in the fire temples and discounted sukhad (sandalwood) should be supplied as the cost in the open market varies from Rs 35,000 to Rs 60,000 per kg depending upon the quality.
The Government should declare March 21 or Jamshedi Navroz as a gazetted holiday throughout the country and get the blessings of the Sun God. Even the United Nations has given this spring equinox world importance.
It is really appreciated that the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government has sanctioned enormous funds to implement the Jiyo Parsi scheme to increase the Parsi population. The government should give incentives in the form of financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per month per child up to eight years for three children towards education, best health care and allied expenses.
Efforts should be made to bring all Parsi Zoroastrian charitable funds and institutions under one umbrella to co-ordinate the efforts and accord help and assistance to deserving and needy members of the community for various needs like healthcare, education, performance of navjote and marriage.
Prof (Dr) M. L. PAVRI

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If wishes were horses…