The department led by BJP stalwart Eknath Khadse has submitted a proposal in this regard to the finance department ahead of budget planning.
The minorities development department of Maharashtra has sought allocation of a whopping Rs700 crore for the upcoming financial year, more than two-fold hike compared to the previous year's allocation of Rs330 crore.
The department led by BJP stalwart Eknath Khadse has submitted a proposal in this regard to the finance department ahead of budget planning. "The current allocation for the department (Rs330 crore) is dismal despite the fact that the minorities comprise of more than 10.5% population in the state," a highly placed official told dna confirming the development.
"Increased allocation for the minorities in the next fiscal year is almost certain, if not the total Rs700 crore. Mainly because the government has hurt the community with its two major decisions – beef ban and rejection of Muslims quota. A positive step to sooth the community is the need of the hour," said a source.
Muslims comprise of 90% among minorities. The BJP government had in its maiden budget in 2015-16 had increased the outlay for the department from Rs280 crore to Rs330 crore. However, two major controversies erupted around the same time washed away the good gesture.
The decision to ban the slaughter of bulls and bullocks, in addition to an earlier ban on the slaughter of cows has irked the community a lot with some leaders even challenging the law in the courts saying its violation of their fundamental right. The Fadnavis government enacted Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act which makes the sale of of bulls, bullocks for slaughter a crime, punishable with a jail term of up to five years and a fine of Rs10,000.
Further, the BJP government had scrapped five percent reservation that had been provided for the community in educational institutions by the previous government.
"Now, its time to do something good for the community to sooth their sensitivities. Higher allocation for the department would be one such step," said a BJP leader.
The department handles various welfare activities including infrastructure development of minority concentrated villages, disbursing scholarships to needy students, grants to minority schools and seminaries.
The official added, "The allocation is grossly insufficient considering the poor socio-economic development of the minorities. This year, we may have to refuse grants to 500 Madrassas out of 700 which applied under Dr Zakir Hussain scheme for Madrassa modernisation."
Muslims organizations have also been demanding higher funding for the department since long.
Budget Allocation for Minorities Development Department
2009-10: Rs206 crore
2010-11: Rs238 crores
2011-12: Rs175 crore
2012-13: Rs175 crore
2013-14: Rs280 crore
2014-15: Rs330 crore
(Source: Minorities Development Department)
Not 150 Crore, Maulana Azad corporation got only Rs75 crore
While BJP government had announced an increase in Maula Azad minorities financial development corporation budget from Rs35 crore to Rs150 crore in the 2015-16 budget and had also patted themselves for that, only Rs75 crore have been given to it this year, confirmed highly placed sources.
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