Modi Government Allocates More Funds For Minority Development Than UPA

Narendra Modi government too often has been cast out as not so minority friendly, given the loose statement of some of his party members. From the beef row, the consequential violence and few more instances had indeed created ripples in the social fabric of our country. The following statistics are some numbers that will counter weight that argument of NDA being not so minority friendly.

• In 2014-15, Rs 3,051 lakh was sanctioned to 96 NGOs and other organizations for free coaching and allied schemes for minority communities, which increased to Rs 4,496 lakh in 2015-16 for 68 NGOs. Whereas, in 2013-14, UPA released rs 1,946 lakh to 93 NGos.
• Andhra Pradesh received Rs 1,095 lakh in 2014-15 and Rs 160 lakh in 2015-16. In 2013-14, it received Rs 398 lakh.
• Uttar Pradesh having a large concentration of minorities received Rs 430 lakh in 2014-15 and Rs 559 lakh in 2015-16 for 16 NGOs against Rs 443 lakh in 2013-14. The minister informed about free coaching and allied schemes, ‘seekho aur kamao’ and ‘nai roshni’ under minority affairs ministry. NDA sanctioned Rs 46 crore and Rs 191 crore for ‘seekho aur kamao’ in 2014-15 and 2015-16 respectively against Rs 16 crore in 2013-14 For ‘nai roshni’ the government sanctioned Rs 13 crore in 2014-15 and Rs 14 crore in 2015-16, against Rs 11 crore in 2013-14
  Yes, minorities comprises of a large number of communities including Christians and other religions. Christians, Jains and Parsi’s have hugely favorable economic indicators much larger than the national average. It is the Muslim community that has lagged behind in education and employment. It is evident that the government has remained committed to the development of Muslims in India. Muslims given the unfavorable socio statistics including health, education, administration and others, they do need extra attention to bring them into the mainstream and make them part of the India’s growth story. Given the image crisis which the community is facing wrt extremism, empowering Muslims with education and jobs will root out the extreme elements besides they will play their important part in country’s economic growth.