HRD Minister launches new website for National Urdu Council, announces hike in funding to Rs 82 Crores

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' inaugurated the new-website for National Urdu Council on 1st October 2019. He also announced hike in funding provided to the NCPUL from Rs 45 crore in 2013 -14 to Rs 82 crores in 2019-20. As per media report, the new website of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language was launched during the meeting of the executive board of the council held on 1st October 2019 – Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Union HRD Minister and saw detailed discussion on issues concerning the council and promotion of Urdu Language inside and outside India.

NCPUL Vision Document Presented

In addition to the launch of new website for NCPUL, the meeting also featured a presentation that highlighted the activities conducted by the council in the last year. After the presentation, the council also presented a vision document which had detailed the activities planned by NCPUL in the coming 5 years.

Gov’t committed to promotion of Urdu Language

In his address to the NCPUL members, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' called upon the council to emphasis upon various initiatives that can be undertaken for the promotion of Urdu Language. He urged the council members to prepare a detailed plan about the council’s activities and highlight them in a way that showcases government’s commitment to the promotion of Urdu Language to general public.

He also advised the council to keep a strict vigil on NGOs who are working in the field of promotion of Urdu Language and ensure that grants given to them are fully utilized. He also called for regular and random inspection of such NGOs to ensure transparency in the utilization of grants.

NCPUL Funding Hiked

At the meeting, NCPUL also announced a major hike in the funding granted to NCPUL to carry out various activities for the promotion of Urdu Language. He said that the funding of Urdu Council has been increased from Rs. 45 crores in the year 2013-14 to Rs. 84 Crores in the year 2019-20. He further added that the funding hike amounts to 45% increase in the last five year in the overall funds granted to NCPUL, which is a phenomenal achievement.

Extension of The Paper Maché scheme

At the meeting, NCPUL also decided to extend to extend the existing The Paper Maché scheme. Currently, the scheme is limited to Kashmir University, which now will also be extended to other varsities. Under this scheme, NCPUL annually allots Rs 15 lakhs to for training of Kashmiri Youth in making paper mache products. Now that the demand for Paper Mache is quite high in the market, the council has decided to extend the scheme further.