Jain Journal 2001 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 50

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
141
BJP, hailed the contribution of the Jains to the development of the country. Mr. J. Gokulchand Jain, secretary of the Trust, listed out its activities.
The Hindu 17 September 2000
Rajasthan HC declares Jains as minority
In an important pronouncement the Rajasthan High Court has declared Jains as a religious minority community and allowed teaching institutions set up by them to enjoy minority status under Articles 29 and 30 of the constitution.
Allowing a writ petition filed by the Vijay Shanti Educational Trust, Mr. Justice Rajesh Balia held that Jains constituted a separate religious community and because of their small population they come under religious minority community.
Rejecting the State Government's contention that only after issuance of a Central notification the teaching institutions established by Jains could be provided benefit under Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution, Mr. Justice Balia said the community cannot be deprived of minority status on this ground.
The petitioner trust, a body of Swetambar Jains, told the court that it had set up a dental college and hospital in Udaipur after obtaining permission from the State and Central Governments and the Dental Council of India, and was now seeking minority status for the institution.
The State Government asked the trust to apply for the same to the State Minorities Commission which issued it a certificate last year. However, the certificate was withdrawn by the commission on the ground that an inquiry was pending in the matter.
The Hindu 17 September 2000
Mahaveer Awards presented
Mahaveer Awards 2000, instituted by Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, were presented to KM Gangwal, Pune, Chennai Cancer Institute and Tripura Adivasi Mahila Samithy, Agartala, by State Assembly Speaker PTR Palanivel Rajan yesterday (5.10.2000).
Addressing the function, Palanivel Rajan said Christians and Muslims in the State do yeomen service in education and health care. He praised the foundation for its service to society.