Rs 1998 Crore for Minorities, but no real progress for Madarsa modernisation and Muslim welfare
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Uttar Pradesh budget for 2025-26, presented on Thursday, has stirred considerable debate over the state’s approach to the welfare of its minority communities, especially Muslims. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed the budget as “excellent,” with a focus on infrastructure development, but the real question is whether it adequately addresses the needs of the state’s Muslim population, which comprises a significant 19.26 per cent of the population.
While the budget boasts of a Rs 1998 crore allocation for the development of minorities, many within the Muslim community are voicing their frustration over the lack of substantial provisions for their educational and socio-economic upliftment. Despite the high expectations, especially for madarsa modernisation, no tangible steps have been introduced. This is yet another indication of the government’s apparent indifference to the educational needs of Muslim students and its racially charged approach towards the minority community.
One of the most glaring omissions in the budget is the absence of any mention of madarsa education reform. Despite the central and state government’s repeated emphasis on the modernisation of madarsas, and the Supreme Court’s recent intervention declaring degrees like Alim and Fazil offered by madarsas to be illegal, the state budget offers no hope or concrete plans for these students.
Many Muslims were hoping that this budget would provide the necessary financial provisions to address the crisis faced by madarsa students, who are now uncertain about their future after the court’s ruling. But once again, the government has turned a blind eye to the issue, showcasing a consistent disregard for the educational welfare of Muslims.
“We had hoped that the government would take steps to modernise madarsas, but they have chosen to ignore us once again,” said Shaukat Ali, a madarsa teacher in Lucknow. “There are thousands of students who rely on these institutions for their education, but with no support from the state government, their future looks bleak. It seems that the government’s promise to uplift minorities is merely a façade.”
While the budget includes provisions such as Rs 365 crore for scholarships aimed at minority students, these measures fail to address the systemic issues that affect Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. The amount allocated for scholarships is simply not enough to bridge the educational gap that exists for Muslim students in the state. The state’s Muslim population continues to face widespread poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to quality education. In fact, Muslims in Uttar Pradesh continue to suffer from lower literacy rates and a lack of educational opportunities, with madarsas often being the only option for many.
“Scholarships are welcome, but they are not enough to address the deep-rooted issues we face as Muslims in this state,” said Amira Begum, a community activist in Kanpur. “The government talks about development, but when it comes to our needs, they are silent. They want to modernise everything but us.”
The government’s failure to address the pressing issues of madarsa education and the systemic neglect of Muslim welfare reflect a deeper, more troubling attitude. By providing minimal support while continuing to allocate vast sums for infrastructure and other development projects, the government is making it clear that the progress of Muslims is not a priority.
The lack of action on madarsa education reforms also reflects a cynical attitude towards the Muslim community. The Yogi government’s focus on “development” and “infrastructure” projects, such as the construction of expressways and AI cities, while ignoring the educational needs of the Muslim community, shows that the government views Muslims as an afterthought.
“The government’s actions speak louder than their words,” said Faizan Ahmed, a student leader from Aligarh. “They claim to work for all communities, but their policies speak otherwise. They keep increasing budgets for their pet projects, while leaving behind the very people who have contributed to this state’s growth. The government’s attitude is not just neglectful, but deeply discriminatory.”
Moreover, the Rs 1998 crore earmarked for minorities in the budget is overshadowed by the government’s extravagant focus on infrastructure, with Rs 150 crore allocated to the Banke Bihari Corridor and billions being invested in expressways. For Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, who face high levels of unemployment, poverty, and exclusion, these infrastructure projects do little to improve their daily lives or educational prospects. The real question is whether the state is genuinely committed to providing Muslim students with the resources they need to thrive or if this is simply another instance of political posturing.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while defending the budget, stated, “This budget reflects the strength of Uttar Pradesh’s economy.” However, his claims ring hollow for many Muslims, who see little in the way of tangible benefit. “It’s all a show,” said Shakir Ahmad, a teacher from Meerut. “The government will spend billions on roads and expressways, but what about our schools? What about our children’s future?”
For many, the absence of madarsa modersization plans and the inadequate support for minority welfare is not just a matter of bad governance, but a reflection of the racially biased attitudes within the state apparatus. Despite Muslim voters constituting a substantial part of the electorate, their voices are continually ignored when it comes to substantive policy decisions. The lack of investment in madarsa education further entrenches the educational divide, leaving Muslim children with fewer opportunities to succeed.
The challenge now lies in whether the Muslim community can mobilise to demand a more inclusive future, one where their rights and educational needs are taken seriously by the government. As the budget is implemented, community leaders, activists, and educators are calling for greater representation and advocacy for Muslim students.
“We are not asking for charity, just our rightful share of the development pie,” said Imran Khan, a community leader from Lucknow. “The government must understand that true development means taking care of every citizen, not just those who fit into their narrow agenda.”
The 2025-26 Uttar Pradesh budget is a wake-up call for Muslims in the state. While the government continues to boast of development and progress, it remains clear that Muslims are not truly part of this narrative. The absence of meaningful provisions for madarsa education reform and the underwhelming support for Muslim welfare indicate a government that is more interested in appeasing its majority base than addressing the legitimate concerns of its minority citizens.
Until the government takes concrete steps to address the educational and socio-economic challenges faced by Muslims, the rhetoric of inclusive development will remain nothing more than empty words.
