There is a popular saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” No one other than PM Modi ampliefies this truth. The opposition has created a strong false narrative around minority citizens that PM Modi is anti-minority but facts state a totally different story with 360 degree twist.
The opposition, media, religious groups always target PM Modi on the issue of the minority. They have created a false narrative that secularism is in danger and PM Modi is suppressing the minority communities particularly Muslims. Add to that the hullabaloo around intolerance and curbing of religious freedom. By spreading a web of lies, they proclaim that PM Modi is anti-minority.
The targeted allegations made by the opposition to show him anti-minority do not stand the test of factual reality. The welfare schemes, the laws and the reforms brought by PM Modi for the benefit of the minorities reflect his inclusive attitude towards them.
Schemes for the minorities
Against the backdrop of the Sachar Committee Report in 2006, Government formed a 15 point Programme for the socio-economic development of minorities in India. The objective was to enhance the opportunities for the minority group, ensure equitable share in economic development and make them a part of India’s growth story.
For the realization of these objectives and to achieve the target set by the previous government, PM Modi has launched various schemes. Moreover, to ensure proper implementation of those schemes, the government also launched a dashboard to monitor the progress on a real-time basis.
| Schemes
|
Purpose
|
| Quami Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme and Sahari Waqf Sampati Vikas Yojna
|
Computerization of Records
|
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students
|
Provide fellowships to students belonging to Minority Communities to pursue higher studies at M. Phil and PhD level.
|
| Nai Udaan | Support for Students clearing Prelims conducted by UPSC, SSC, and State Public Service Commission etc.
|
| Nai Manzil
|
The Integrated Educational and Livelihood Initiative
|
| Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD) | To conserve traditional arts/crafts of our Country
|
| Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women
|
To ensure that the benefits of growth reach deprived women and such women are being provided with leadership training schemes.
|
| Hamari Dharohar
|
Conservation and protection of culture and heritage of Minorities
|
| Scheme for containing population decline of a small minority community
|
To arrest the declining trends in the population of a small minority community |
| Maulana Azad Education Foundation | A voluntary, non-political, non-profit making, social service organization was established to promote education among the educationally backward minorities
|
The schemes mentioned above have been crucial in the development of the minority community. The main focus of this scheme is to bring minorities to the mainstream with a special focus and help from the government.
The budget allocation for minorities also shatter the false claim of opposition that PM Modi is anti-minority. In the 2013-14 Budget, INR 3,511 Cr was allocated for minorities which increased to whooping INR 5,021 Cr in 2022-23. This is about a 43% increase since 2013-14. The enormous increase in the budget shows the special emphasis by PM Modi on welfare of minorities.
Also Read: Assam CM Himanta ‘requests’ minority families to keep a check on birthing kids
Special attention towards women
Further to increase the minority growth PM Modi has taken a special step towards Muslim girls and women. From the scholarship scheme for minority 50% of the scholarship will be reserved for Muslim girls. To free Muslim women from years of regressive Shariat Law of Triple Talaq, Modi Government brought The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.
Moreover, the schemes like ICDS, Aawas Yojana, Ujjawala Yojana and PDS have eased the daily life of an average Muslim woman. The trinity of JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobiles) has helped the government in the successful implementation of the scheme. This was also reflected in various elections, where Muslim women voted for BJP in large numbers.
To realize its goal for the overall development of minorities, the Modi government is working on Triple ‘E’(Education, Employment and Empowerment). All the schemes launched by the government are in the same direction.
The work of PM Modi for minority group reflects the true picture of his intentions. The whopping 43% increase in the budget since 2013 and successful implementation of all the aforementioned schemes have helped the minority groups in getting rid of the clutches of backwardness. The change is not just being brought upon, it is also being observed on ground level as well.