The Union Budget for 2025-26 has earmarked ₹3,350 crore for the Ministry of Minority Affairs, marking an increase of ₹166 crore from the previous budget estimate and ₹1,481 crore more than the revised allocation for 2024-25. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget on Saturday, reported the Hindustan Times.
In the last financial year, while ₹3,183.24 crore was initially allocated to the ministry, the revised estimate stood at ₹1,868.18 crore, indicating a significant shortfall in actual spending. The latest allocation, however, suggests a renewed commitment to minority welfare programs.
A provision of ₹678.03 crore has been set aside for the educational empowerment of students from minority communities. Additionally, ₹1,237.32 crore has been allocated for various schemes aimed at improving socio-economic conditions and providing equal opportunities. The government has also allocated ₹1,913.98 crore under the ‘Umbrella Programme for Development of Minorities,’ which encompasses multiple welfare initiatives.
While the increased budgetary allocation indicates a focus on minority development, concerns remain over the actual implementation of these schemes. Critics from minority communities argue that while funds are allocated, many welfare programs often face bureaucratic delays, underutilization, or diversion of resources. They also point to the government’s past record, where revised estimates showed significant cuts in actual spending.
Minority rights advocates stress that the true measure of this budget will be in its execution, urging the government to ensure that the allocated funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Many also call for increased transparency in fund utilization and a participatory approach in designing welfare schemes that directly address the needs of minority communities.
