Exchequer money is being used in development of Muslim religious sectors

Lakhs of rupees being provided for developing ‘Idgah’

Mumbai – Various schemes are implemented by Minority Development Department for financial, educational and social development; but sideling the concept of financial, educational and social development, this department is spending lakhs of rupees from the Government exchequer for the development of ‘Idgah’, for religious purpose, which is unconstitutional and out of order.

The programme aims at improving the socioeconomic parameters of basic amenities for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing imbalances in the Minority Concentration Areas. Identified ‘development infrastructure for school and secondary education, sanitation, pucca housing, health, drinking water, skill and electricity supply, street lights, public toilets, cemetery repairs, balwadi-kindergarten repairs, public auditorium and meant for providing finance for educational and social works. ‘Idgah’ happens to be Muslim’s religious place, and despite that, funds are provided for that. 20 lakhs for Municipal Corporation, for ‘A’ class Municipality 15 and for B and K class Municipality 10 lakhs are sanctioned.

Money is given from the Government treasury if any religious place is famous or to be developed as a tourist spot. This fund is meant for all religious places irrespective of religion. MLAs and MPs are allowed to share the expenses from their share meant for development purposes for their own constituency or any other appropriate purpose. But under the name of development in Muslim-majority villages and cities, funds are given for developing Idgah from the Government treasury. Development of religious places of the minorities this money is spent.

Fund only for ‘Idgah’ by sidelining other minorities’ religious places

Minorities include Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jain, Sikhs, and Parsis. Muslims are the maximum in number. But funds are provided for Muslim religious places by sidelining the criteria. None of the religions are funded for their respective religious requirements. On the contrary, the Minority Development Department gives secondary treatment to other religions. Hence the question arises, is the department working for the development of Muslims alone ?