There is a need for more concrete plans to address the specific needs of minority communities, particularly regarding education and economic assistance
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The proposed allocation of Rs 56,771 crore for the Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Department has stirred a heated debate in the legislative assembly, with ministers and opposition members expressing contrasting views.
Minister of State for Minority Welfare Department, Danish Azad Ansari, along with department officials, welcomed the substantial allocation, emphasising its potential to address educational, health, and employment challenges of the minority communities. Ansari highlighted the importance of inclusive development and criticised the opposition for what he deemed as baseless criticism aimed at misleading the public, reports reaching here said on Wednesday.
However, opposition members, notably Samajwadi Party’s Zahid Baig, raised concerns over the effectiveness of previous budget allocations, citing a utilisation rate of only 45.40% from the previous year. Baig stressed the need for more concrete plans to address the specific needs of minority communities, particularly regarding education and economic assistance.
The budget breakdown reveals allocations for various initiatives, including reimbursement for Waqf Board, salary grants for madrasa teachers, assistance for madrasas, and scholarships for minority students. While some welcomed these provisions, others expressed reservations regarding their adequacy and efficacy in addressing the broader challenges faced by minority communities.
In a separate development, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana announced a planned visit to Ram Temple in Ayodhya for members of the assembly. While the decision was met with approval from several members, including senior Samajwadi Party leader Shiv Pal Singh Yadav, Muslim members appeared hesitant. Zahid Baig questioned the necessity of the visit from a religious and political standpoint, urging caution in aligning with government invitations.
Baig emphasised that the Samajwadi Party’s stance is not against religious visits but underscores the importance of avoiding events with religious-political overtones. He pointed to previous instances where political leaders refrained from attending religious ceremonies in public, suggesting a similar approach in this case.
The debate surrounding the budget allocation and the proposed visit to Ayodhya reflects broader discussions on minority welfare and the intersection of religion and politics in Uttar Pradesh’s legislative agenda. As discussions continue, stakeholders are urged to prioritise inclusive policies and constructive dialogue to address the diverse needs of the state’s population.
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