“Union Budget Disappointing For Poor, Marginalised, SCs, STs, And Religious Minorities”: Muslim Body
Muslim organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday for failing to address the needs of India’s poor, marginalised communities, SCs, STs, and religious minorities. Prof Salim Engineer, Vice President of JIH, highlighted that while the budget maintains fiscal prudence, it falls short in key areas. He noted, “Despite these positives, we feel that the Budget 2024-25 does not offer any solace to the poor, the marginalised, SC & STs and religious minorities of India. It seems that the Budget aims to benefit only one class of society.”
Prof Salim pointed out that health and education allocations are still inadequate, with only 1.88% and 3.07% of GDP respectively. JIH demands these be increased to at least 4% and 6% of GDP. Furthermore, the budget for the Ministry of Minority Affairs remains at a mere 0.06% of the total budget, far from the 1% JIH believes is necessary.
He criticised the contractionary nature of the budget, stating, “We need an expansionist approach. Revenue is increasing substantially still the increase in expenditure is negligible, this contractionist approach will further aggravate the situation of unemployment, inflation, and inequality.” He also condemned the reduction in subsidies for food, fertiliser, and petroleum, describing it as “highly irrational and condemnable.”
To fund welfare measures, Prof Salim suggested curbing corruption and increasing direct taxes on the wealthy while reducing indirect taxes. He called for special measures for Dalits, backward classes, SCs, STs, and minorities, with concrete plans and adequate budgets. He also advocated for interest-free microfinance and banking to boost the economy and reduce social unrest.
JIH views the Union Budget as lacking sensitivity to the needs of the most vulnerable, with Prof Salim urged the government to take more concrete steps towards inclusive growth.
