The article discusses the welfare programs in India that are specifically tailored to cater to minorities. It starts by discussing the changes in budgetary allocations for the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24, following with a closer look at which aspects of minority affairs were most affected by the budget reduction. Moreover, it presents an overview of the main schemes in India dedicated to the welfare of minorities.
Budgetary Changes in Minority Affairs
Recently, news of the budgetary allocation for the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs decreasing by 38% in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23 have been making headlines. These changes were not evenly distributed across all areas of minority affairs, with some experiencing more significant reductions than others.
Areas Most Affected by Budget Reductions
A major portion of the budget decrease was seen in the allocation for pre-matric scholarships, free coaching for minorities, skill development and livelihoods programmes. This includes the USTTAD scheme, Nai Manzil, and Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women. Furthermore, the funding for the Umbrella Programme for Development of Minorities, which encompasses the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram and Education Scheme for Madrasas and Minorities, reduced from ₹1810 crore to ₹610 crore, marking a 66.2% decline in allocation.
Key Welfare Schemes for Minorities in India
Several schemes designed to support the welfare and development of minorities exist in India. They aim to empower students through educational scholarships disbursed directly to beneficiaries, provide free coaching to economically disadvantaged minority students for competitive and entrance exams, subsidize interest on education loans for overseas studies, and foster women’s leadership development within minority communities.
Skill Development Initiatives
Additionally, the Seekho Aur Kamao scheme focuses on enhancing employability of youth and school dropouts from minority communities through skill development. The USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) initiative also contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional skills of indigenous artisans and craftsmen.
Focus on Minority Concentration Areas
Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) specifically target Minority Concentration Areas, identified based on minority population, socio-economic conditions, and availability of basic amenities. These areas are addressed to counteract developmental deficits.
New Skilling Initiative: PM Vikaas
In 2023, a new initiative called Prime Minister-Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM Vikaas) was added to the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ budget. As a skilling initiative, it focuses on training requirements, fosters entrepreneurship and leadership among minority and artisan communities. It functions in unison with the ‘Skill India Mission’ of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, integrating with the Skill India Portal (SIP).
Discussions around Minority Status
The article wraps up with a mention of discussions around the status of a national minority and advantages they are entitled to, including the establishment of exclusive educational institutions and benefits derived from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.