New Delhi, Nov 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday reviewed the progress made in various Central government programmes, including the 15-Point Programme for the welfare of minorities in the country.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the status of the follow-up action on the recommendation of the Sachar panel report.

Singh had, earlier, directed Principal Secretary T K A Nair, to hold a monthly review of the progress made in the implementation of the Prime Minister's new 15-Point Programme.

Today's meeting noted the 'encouraging results' in the trend of the representation of minorities in government, especially, in the para-military forces.

However, it was also pointed out that more efforts were required in the implementation of the programme in some specific areas.

"However, it was felt that the pace of implementation, especially, of decisions taken in the areas of education and extension of credit facilities needed to be stepped up," a release issued by the Prime Minister's Office stated.

Nair also gave specific suggestions for speeding up the pace of implementation and the need for producing tangible results quickly.

In particular, plans were finalized for development of a number of artisan clusters in Muslim dominated areas in an integrated and focused manner. (ANI)