The UPA government is gearing up to counter the possible challenge posed by BJP strongman and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the next general elections with a slew of measures aimed at wooing minorities.
Special packages; including the setting up six central universities, where 50 per cent seats will be reserved for students from minority communities, to extending midday meal schemes to children of unaided madrasas; are on the cards, sources said.
The UPA government is also raising the issue of 4.5 per cent reservation under the OBC category for Muslims.
The government is also finding ways and means to release advertisements to Urdu television channels and Urdu newspapers, including websites for publicizing government schemes amongst minorities.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is engaged in preparing a cabinet note for the establishment of six central universities in areas predominantly inhabited by minorities across the country.
The varsities will include the one to be named after Tipu Sultan, in consultation with the HRD Ministry.