Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Rajya Sabha: MP Satnam Sandhu raises demand for special schemes for displaced Sikh families
337 Sikh Refugees & Asylum Seekers Given Indian Citizenship under CAA, says Union Minister George Kurian in Reply to MP Sandhu’s Question
Centre of Excellence of Gurumukhi at University of Delhi to Revive & Promote the Gurumukhi Language, Enhance Educational Opportunities for Sikhs, says Union Minister Kurian
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 10, 2025:Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu has raised the issue of special schemes and measures taken the Union government for the rehabilitation and welfare of displaced Sikh families who have migrated to India due to historical conflicts or persecution, in the Parliament during the on-going Winter Session of the House.
In his question on “rehabilitation and welfare of displaced Sikh families” to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu sought details of specific policies for the rehabilitation and welfare of displaced Sikh families, particularly those who have migrated due to historical conflicts or persecution.
He also sought details of any special measures taken to support Sikhs who have returned from Afghanistan, Pakistan or other countries in recent years and asked whether Government provides financial or housing assistance to displaced Sikh families.
In his question, MP Sandhu asked for the number of Sikh refugees or asylum seekers who have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and initiatives taken to preserve Sikh heritage, culture and religious sites in India and abroad.
Responding to MP Sandhu’s question, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian in his reply said under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry with focused interventions in areas of education, health, skill, women empowerment in minority concentrated pockets, over 11 lakh infrastructure assets have been sanctioned, of which about 9 lakh units have been completed with a total sanctioned project cost of around Rs 26,237 crore and over Rs 16,300 crore released to States, Union Territories (UTs) and Central Government Offices (CGO).
The Union Minister said under Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), a project has been allocated to Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to train 29,600 candidates in modern skilling based job roles and support 2,000 candidates through bridge education to re-enter formal schooling.
Kurian said Union Minority Ministry’s National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC), which implements schemes for socio-economic development of Sikh community and other notified minority communities by providing concessional loan for self-employment and income generation ventures, has disbursed an amount of Rs 10,225.83 crores covering over 27.35 lacs families under its various schemes since 1994.
The Union Minister said 1073 Long Term Visas (LTVs) have been granted to such Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan nationals belonging to Sikh religion during the last five years. Children of such LTV holders to take admission in educational institutions, seek employment in private sector, purchase of dwelling unit and accommodation for carrying out self-employment, opening of bank accounts, issuance of Driving License, PAN Card and Aadhar number, etc, Kurian said.
Giving details of Sikh refugees or asylum seekers who have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the Minister said over 337 Sikh refugees or asylum seekers have been granted Indian citizenship in five states including Delhi (296), Punjab (13), Haryana (14), Uttarakhand (8) and Madhya Pradesh (6).
On the initiatives taken to preserve Sikh heritage, culture and religious sites in India and abroad, Kurian said under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved the establishment of Centre of Excellence of Gurumukhi at the University of Delhi to revive and promote the Gurumukhi language as a subject of higher education while preserving the rich heritage and culture of minority communities.
Kurian said the Ministry has organised 46 Hunar Haats, now rechristened as “Lok Samvardhan Parvs” since 2016 to provide opportunity to over 8 lakh artisans from Sikh community and other notified minority communities to showcase and market handicrafts and indigenous products for gaining national exposure and rejuvenate local value chains.