Union budget 2022-23 'discriminatory', allocates meagre 0.23% for minority welfare

By A Representative
The Minority Coordination Committee (MCC), a Gujarat-based rights group, has noted that the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made an allocation of a meagre 0.23% to the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the Union budget 2022-23, which shows the Modi government is not interested in overcoming the backwardness from which the minorities suffer.
Pointing out that minorities constitute 19.3% of the population, it has demanded the Central government allocate 1 lakh crore, adding, the poor allocation comes even as this year's budget, Rs 22,04,422 crore, is an increase to the tune of 23% as compared to the last year. Of this, the budget of the Ministry of Minority Affairs is only Rs 5,020.50 crore, which is an increase of only 4% over the 2021-22 budget.
Stating that the Central government has reduced the budget of important schemes, MCC said, there is a Rs 8.58 crore reduction in the budget of special programme for minorities, Rs 1 crore reduction in the budget of the Qaumi Waqf Board Progressive Scheme, Rs 41 crore reduction in the Nai Manzil Scheme, and there a shortfall of Rs 5.50 crore in the leadership development of minority women scheme.
It said, the budget of the Maulana Azad Foundation has been virtually abolished and a provision of only Rs 1 lakh has been made for it, there is a reduction of Rs 14 crore in the educational scheme for minorities and madrasas, there is a Rs 41.67 crore shortfall for social security, and a reduction of Rs 41 crore in skill development, on which the government has been emphasising.
At the same time, MCC convener Mujahid Nafees said, there is no increase in Interest Subsidy Scheme of Education Loan, Preparation Scheme for Competitive Examination, Scheme for preparation of UPSC and other Competitive Examinations, Research under Special Programme for Minorities, Scheme to Save Cultural Heritage.
“This shows that the government is discriminating against the minority society, and it does not want the minorities in India to grow on the path of development”, he added.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.

Beyond data: The economist who refused to remain in the ivory tower

By Vikas Meshram There are few people who are born into privilege yet choose to dedicate their lives to the cause of the poor. Jean Drèze is one such individual. Born on January 22, 1959, in Leuven, Belgium, into the family of a distinguished economist, Drèze has become one of the most influential voices in the study of poverty, inequality, and social policy in India. Having lived in India since 1979, he adopted Indian citizenship in 2002 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country's most important welfare initiatives.

Counterview

Search This Blog