DELHI: The outlays and expenditures under the Ministry of Minority Affairs for minority welfare programmes have seen a significant decline in recent years, with expenditure dropping to Rs 837.68 crore in 2022-23 and Rs 1,032.65 crore in the ongoing fiscal year, compared to over Rs 4,500 crore in 2019-20. This trend was revealed in the Rajya Sabha during discussions on the implementation of the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities.
An analysis of the last five years shows a marked reduction in both budgetary allocations and actual expenditures. In 2019-20, the ministry had an outlay of Rs 4,700 crore, of which Rs 4,505.12 crore was spent. The subsequent year, 2020-21, witnessed a slight decrease in allocations to Rs 4,005 crore, with Rs 3,958.57 crore utilised. While the budget for 2021-22 was raised to Rs 4,346.45 crore, nearly all of it—Rs 4,325.24 crore—was spent.
However, from 2022-23 onwards, the decline became stark. Allocations fell sharply to Rs 2,612.66 crore, with actual expenditure plummeting to just Rs 837.68 crore, representing only a fraction of the allocated funds. The trend continued in 2023-24, where the budgetary allocation stood at Rs 2,608.93 crore, but expenditure by the end of September was reported at Rs 1,032.65 crore, indicating underutilisation of funds.
The sharp fall in spending raises concerns about the ministry’s capacity to implement its schemes effectively. With expenditures falling by over 75 per cent in the last two fiscal years compared to 2019-20, questions loom over the ability to meet the goals outlined in the 15-Point Programme.
The ministry attributes some of the reduced spending to a shift towards a “saturation approach,” where many schemes have been integrated with broader government welfare initiatives. Nonetheless, the data underscores the need for reassessing resource allocation and operational efficiency to ensure the programme’s intended beneficiaries are adequately supported.
Amid these developments, the ministry has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability. Measures such as end-to-end digitalisation of scheme implementation, physical inspections, and beneficiary feedback systems aim to enhance the effectiveness of fund utilisation. However, the sharp reduction in financial resources could impede the progress of minority welfare initiatives, highlighting the need for sustained focus and strategic planning.
