Mumbai (Maharashtra) – In 2006, the Congress Government created an independent Ministry of Minorities for the economic, educational and social upliftment of Muslims. 42 schemes are being implemented by this Ministry. Communities considered as Minorities include Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis and Jews. The criteria for the schemes, however, have been set in a way that the Muslim community gets the most benefit. Minorities have been benefitting from these schemes for over 16 years. However, the Congress Government had not decided how long this benefit will last and till they reach what percentage of the population. (Congress has still not realised that Hindus ousted them because of their appeasement policy. It is because of this appeasement, that the Congress is becoming a minority in the country ! – Editor).
The subsequent Governments have not changed anything either. Therefore, should we continue with the Ministry of Minorities and the facilities provided by it after a nationwide survey in the present situation ? This requires a strategic decision.
Not reviewed how much has the Minority community been uplifted
Over 15% of the funds in India’s 5-year plan and budget are used for uplifting Minorities. Over the past few years, the number of schemes and funds have steadily increased. Even though India’s Treasury has provided crores of Rupees, how much has been done to uplift the Minority community over the years – this has not been reviewed and this is a serious matter.
By when will the recommendations of the Sachar Committee be implemented ?
On 9th March 2005, the Congress Government at the Centre constituted the Sachar Committee, which submitted its report within 15 months and the Congress Government immediately implemented the recommendations, introducing massive concessions for Muslims. These facilities are being given to Muslims as a religious and linguistic ‘Minority’. However, the Congress Government did not fix the criteria regarding the time-frame within which these facilities would be provided and the percentage of the total population the Minorities would reach. Due to this, crores of Rupees are being spent on the upliftment of Muslims for over 16 years. The Government is expected to provide these funds to other weaker sections of society if the families who have benefited from these schemes as ‘Minority’ have achieved educational, social and financial stability.
Editorial Viewpoint
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