Karnataka Budget 2023: Allocation likely to increase for the welfare of minorities

Bengaluru, Jalai 05: The incumbent CM Siddaramaiah has said that the ruling BJP party and the then CM Basavaraja Bommai had discriminated against the communities. Due to this reason, it is expected to increase the grant for the minority communities of the state when presenting the ‘Karnataka Budget 2023-24’ to be held on July 07.

The religious minorities in the state are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsi community numbering around one crore. Minorities account for 16 percent of the state’s total population.

During 2017-18 when CM Siddaramaiah’s government was in power, a total of Rs 2,145 crore was earmarked for the development of these communities in the then budget. Then Basavaraja Bommai, who came to power and ruled for three years, reduced this grant by 1,429 crores in the last budget (2022-23).

Now the Congress and CM are in power again in the state Siddaramaiah He will present the budget for 2023-24 this Friday on July 7.

Allocation for minorities should be increased

Commenting on this, KPCC working president and chief whip Salim Ahmed said that according to the advice of community leaders and experts, the grant amount should be increased for the development of these communities. This would allow Muslims to progress on an equal footing with others. Chief Ministers should pay special attention to minorities. He felt that Muslims were backward in education.

Many agree that the previous BJP tenure saw ‘technological improvements in the functioning of the Directorate/Department of Minorities’. But due to lack of responsibility, the schemes did not reach the people adequately and effectively, said Major P Manivannan.

In the month of August 2021, a control room was established in the office of the Directorate of State Minorities. It facilitated redressal of grievances, reliable information collection, and certainty of dissemination. A 24-hour helpline was started to provide transparent delivery of the directorate’s plans and programs along with technology.

Advantage of Control Room, Functionality

This has increased transparency, accountability and efficiency in the administration of minority development issues. Public participation has been achieved mainly through the helpline. The department has so far received 1.4 lakh calls. The control room officials informed that 92 percent of the compensation has been provided.

All 31 District Offices and 75 Taluk Information Centers are also active on social media like Twitter.

The Government has also constituted an Advisory Committee comprising prominent representatives of all communities and NGOs to disseminate information on circulars, programmes, schemes and other related issues on minorities. In these meetings opportunities are provided to give suggestions.

Earlier this directorate has created a dashboard for Maulana Azad and Morarji Desai Residential Schools. In it, work is being done to provide information about enrollment, vacant posts, school infrastructure and curriculum details and other necessary information.