FQ 2023-24 Disappointment: KCR’s Zero Investment in Minority Schemes: RTI
FQ 2023-24 | Hyderabad, June 20 (Maxim News): In a disheartening revelation, the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24 has witnessed zero investment by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao administration in minority programs. The lack of financial support (Zero investment) for minorities in terms of pre-matric scholarships, bank-linked schemes, and welfare initiatives raises serious concerns about the KCR’s commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
Minority communities have long struggled with economic and social disparities, making targeted programs crucial for their upliftment and empowerment. However, the absence of any allocation of funds specifically earmarked for minority programs highlights a concerning trend of neglect.
Pre matric scholarships, designed to assist minority students in pursuing education, play a pivotal role in bridging the educational divide. By failing to invest in these scholarships, the KCR government undermines the aspirations of countless talented students who rely on such support to access quality education and build a brighter future. In the quarter budget not a single rupee has been spent.
FQ 2023-24 Disappointment:
KCR claims of giving importance to education among the minorities students, in the first quarter for MTF, the budget was allocated Rs. 70.80 crores in which amount released Rs. 17.70 crore and the expenditure is just Rs.1.74 crores which is less than 0.20 percent. Similarly, under the RTF budget allocated Rs. 236 crore, the amount released is Rs. 59 crore, and expenditure made so far is just Rs. 8.47 crore less than 4 percent of the budget allocated.
Similarly, the budget allocated to TMREIS in the first quarter is Rs. 222.92 crores, funds released Rs. 59.73 percent and expenditure shown is Rs. 22.12 crores around 10 percent of the budget allocated.
Additionally, bank-linked schemes serve as a crucial avenue for financial inclusion, enabling minorities to access credit and banking services that can propel their economic growth. The lack of funding in this area further exacerbates existing disparities and deprives individuals and businesses of availing themselves of opportunities to thrive. There is nil expenditure under this head in the first quarter of 2023-24
Welfare schemes aimed at improving the overall well-being of minority communities have also been neglected. These schemes encompass a wide range of initiatives, including healthcare, housing, skill development, and entrepreneurship support. Without adequate investment, the socio-economic conditions of minority communities continue to stagnate, hindering progress and perpetuating inequality.
It may be recalled that in the budget 2023-24, the KCR government has earmarked the budget for the minority’s welfare, and other schemes are Rs. 2,195.71 crores, when we see the details given by the RTI of its first quarter, the KCR government has shown a budget allocation of Rs. 1,115.94 crores and addl budget of Rs. 1.42 crore, in which the budget release is Rs. 742.37 crores, the actual expenditure made is 222.02 crore which is less than 10 percent of the budget allocation.
KCR’s Zero Investment in Minority Schemes
The absence of investment in minority programs raises questions about the government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive growth. It is imperative for the KCR administration to prioritize the needs of minority communities and allocate sufficient funds to address their specific challenges. Merely paying lip service to diversity and inclusivity without concrete actions can lead to a deepening of disparities and further marginalization.
Civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens must come together to advocate for the rights and well-being of minorities. By amplifying their voices, raising awareness about the importance of minority programs, and urging the government to rectify its lack of investment, positive change can be achieved.
It is crucial that the KCR administration acknowledges the urgency of the situation and takes immediate steps to rectify the lack of investment in minority programs. Investing in the education, economic empowerment, and overall well-being of minority communities is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step toward building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
As the first quarter disappoints with zero investment in minority programs, it is incumbent upon the government to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their upliftment. Only through concerted efforts and targeted investments can we aspire to create a society where every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to thrive and succeed. (Maxim News)
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