Modi government slashes allocation for minority affairs ministry in budget 2023

The budgetary allocation for the 2023-24 fiscal for India's minority affairs ministry has been reduced by over 38 per cent to Rs 3,097.60 crore (£307.2 million), as compared with the last fiscal, according to budget documents presented on Wednesday (1).

The budget allocation for 2022-23 was Rs 5,020.50 crore (£497.9 million) for the ministry, however the revised estimate was Rs 2612.66 crore (£259.1 million), as per the documents.

The budget estimate for the ministry of minority affairs this year is Rs 3097.60 crore.

Of the proposed allocation to the ministry, Rs 1,689 crore (£167.5 million) is for education empowerment.

Over Rs 64.4 crore has been allocated for Skill Development and Livelihoods.

The budget estimate for umbrella programme for development of minorities is Rs 610 crore (£60.4 million).

India's minority affairs minister Smriti Irani hailed the budget, saying, "Congratulations to PM @narendramodi Ji & FM @nsitharaman Ji for a truly 'Amrit Kaal Budget' epitomising inclusive development & reinforcing economic fundamentals."

"Emphasis given to infra, tech, green energy & other areas will institutionalise India's growth for a stronger tomorrow," she said.

(PTI)