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Rijiju Defends Minority Affairs Budget Amid Rising Criticism
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that the budget for minority affairs has effectively doubled under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, a statement made in the face of ongoing scrutiny both nationally and globally. Reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch highlight a troubling rise in violence against minority communities, creating what they describe as a "pervasive environment of fear." Similarly, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has pointed out a decline in religious freedom in India, citing the government's inaction against communal violence impacting various communities, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Dalits.
The Opposition, particularly Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has seized upon these issues, frequently accusing the BJP of neglecting the rights of Dalits and minorities. The newly formed INDIA coalition, gearing up for the 2024 elections, aims to combat what they term "manufactured hatred and violence against minorities." In response, the BJP has accused Congress of engaging in minority appeasement and leveraging communal tensions for political gain.
Rijiju attributed the disconnect between government actions and public perception to a biased media landscape and political efforts aimed at tarnishing India's reputation abroad. He urged critics to base their arguments on facts rather than misinformation, stating,
“Don’t lie, don’t spread misinformation. Criticise the government, be critical of government policies—no problem. But don’t lie.”
Government Initiatives and Digital Solutions
Amidst calls for greater outreach to minority communities, Rijiju highlighted the numerous government initiatives underway, arguing that positive developments often go unnoticed. “Every day thousands of outreach programmes are being arranged by the government. But good news does not become news, and bad news becomes the big news,” he remarked. Ministry Secretary Srivatsa Krishna echoed this sentiment, challenging the notion that the government is antagonistic towards minorities and emphasizing the importance of data in evaluating the ministry's impact.
One of the ministry’s key initiatives is PM Vikas, which focuses on vocational training for minority youth in various fields. In a recent collaboration with the EkStep Foundation, co-founded by Nandan Nilekani, the ministry aims to utilize artificial intelligence to connect PM Vikas graduates with nearby job opportunities, minimizing the need for migration. The introduction of AI chatbots, developed by local firms, is also on the horizon, promising to enhance accessibility to information about ministry schemes.
Challenges Ahead: Waqf Properties and Scholarship Fraud
On the Waqf portal—established to digitize religious trust properties—Rijiju noted that about 50-55 percent of properties have been recorded, but he acknowledged that documentation issues are hindering progress. He stated,
“There are places where thousands of acres are shown on paper—on the ground, it’s not there. It’s a laborious exercise. It will happen.”The Waqf Amendment Act, which has faced backlash from Muslim groups and opposition parties, continues to spark debate regarding minority property rights.
Additionally, the ministry's scholarship program, which serves students across various communities, is currently facing setbacks due to ongoing investigations into fraudulent practices that have plagued disbursements. Rijiju expressed hope for a swift resolution, calling it an
“unfinished task.”He also addressed the contentious Munambam land dispute in Kerala, where local Christian farmers are contesting eviction claims, assuring that the law ministry is reviewing the situation to prevent injustice.
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