Despite budget allocations, critics claim schemes for minorities remain on paper, raising questions about the government’s commitment to inclusivity
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI –– The Narendra Modi government repeatedly harps on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ — development for all without discrimination. However, in the last decade, the Ministry of Minority Affairs appears to have been reduced to a mere symbolic entity, offering little tangible benefit to India’s largest minority — Muslims. Critics argue that while the government has allocated substantial funds, these have largely remained unutilised for minority welfare schemes.
Although the Union Budget has allocated Rs 3,000 crore for minority affairs, experts contend that this is merely a ‘lollipop’ — an appeasement tactic rather than a meaningful initiative. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, established during the UPA government’s tenure, was envisioned as a vehicle to uplift minorities through education, economic empowerment, and social development. However, under the current government, many flagship initiatives have either been discontinued or exist merely in name.
Dr Javed A. Khan, General Secretary of the Institute of Policy Studies and Advocacy, expressed concerns over the execution of budgetary allocations. In a chat with media representatives, he stated, “As always, the Union Budget this year was disappointing for minorities. The budget for minority affairs has been increased slightly, but the ministry is not spending the allocated amount on schemes.”
Dr Khan highlighted that although Rs 3,183 crore was announced in a previous budget, the actual revised expenditure was only Rs 1,868 crore. The trend continued in the 2023-24 budget, where Rs 3,000 crore was allocated, yet merely Rs 154 crore was spent. He pointed out that crucial schemes such as pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), and Pradhan Mantri Vikas Samvardhan Scheme are being sidelined. “In the last three years, nearly 60 percent of the ministry’s budget meant for scholarships has not been utilised,” he noted.
In 2023-24, Rs 600 crore was allocated for the PMJVK scheme, but only Rs 189 crore was spent. Similarly, Rs 540 crore was earmarked under the Pradhan Mantri Vikas Samvardhan Scheme, yet only Rs 209 crore was used. Dr Khan questioned the rationale behind announcing funds if the Cabinet does not approve their utilisation. “Is this not an attempt to deceive the public?” he asked.
There are growing apprehensions that the Ministry of Minority Affairs may be dissolved altogether under the Modi government. Dr Khan warned that the ministry could either be completely shut down or reduced to an institution meant only to maintain control over the Haj Committee of India and Waqf properties. “Expecting any meaningful welfare from this ministry is futile,” he remarked.
Senior Congress leader and former MP Meem Afzal echoed these concerns. “The Ministry of Minority Affairs is being gradually dismantled under this government. Many schemes have been closed, and the remaining ones are likely to follow,” he said. He argued that while the government publicly promotes the idea of inclusive development, Muslims are systematically excluded from these policies.
Afzal further suggested that the discontinuation of scholarship schemes is part of a larger plan to push the Muslim community into backwardness. “The purpose of these actions is clear – to marginalise an entire community,” he said. “I was the first to call the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf Bill a political ploy and conspiracy, and I appeal to Muslims not to fall into its trap. The approval of the amendments has proven my concerns right.”
Despite repeated promises of development and empowerment, the government’s actions tell a different story. The stark contrast between announced budgets and actual expenditures raises serious questions about the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of minorities, particularly Muslims. With key scholarship and empowerment programmes being neglected, concerns are mounting over the community’s future.
The allegations have sparked a broader debate about the government’s commitment to inclusive development. While the Ministry of Minority Affairs continues to exist, its effectiveness and relevance are increasingly being called into question. Critics argue that without genuine political will and proper scheme implementation, the ministry risks becoming a hollow symbol of tokenism rather than a catalyst for change.
As the debate rages on, the Muslim community and other minority groups await concrete action to address their grievances. For now, the Ministry of Minority Affairs remains under the spotlight, with its future – and its impact – hanging in the balance.