Mumbai, Nov 29 (PTI) The Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government on Wednesday issued an order directing the administration to observe December 18 as the Minorities Rights Day.

The day will be marked by holding elocution and essay competitions.

Also Read | Patna Shocker: Man Killed for Objecting to Drunk Miscreants Forcibly Dancing With Women at Marriage Procession in Alamganj.

As per a government resolution (GR) issued by the state minority development, the order to observe December 18 as the Minorities Rights Day is as per the instructions of the National Commission for Minorities.

“The efforts are aimed at facilitating minority communities to conserve their culture, language, religion and traditions. The state government is expected to organise functions to spread awareness about the fundamental rights of the minorities,” the order said.

Also Read | Supreme Court Allows Centre To Extend Term of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar's Tenure by Six Months.

The programmes to be organised on December 18 include the competition of poster making, elocution, essay writing, debates and discussions. All the district administrations are expected to hold similar events on the day, as per the GR.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)