Massive cut in funds of Madrasas in Union Budget

The merit-based scholarship program for students from minority communities in professional and technical fields was reduced by 87% in the Union budget 2023, from Rs 365 crore in the previous budget to just Rs 44 crore in the current one.

The budget's allocation of funds for madrasas and minority education also fell by 93%, from Rs 160 crore in 2022-2023 to Rs 10 crore in 2023-2024.

The



pre-matric scholarship for minorities administered by the ministry of minority affairs was also reduced by Rs 992 crore in the Union Budget 2023; instead, Rs 1,425 crore was allotted for the years 2022–23. Last year, the eligibility requirements were changed to exclude children in grades below Class 9. Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister, emphasized inclusivity in her budget speech but did not address religious minorities' inclusion.