File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The BJP-led government today allocated Rs 100 crore for modernisation of Madrassas and announced the decision to launch a special programme for the upgrdation of skills of minorities in traditional arts and crafts.
The budget for 2013-14, presented in Parliament, earmarks Rs 3,734.01 crore for the Ministry of Minority Affairs, 5.75 per cent more than the last financial year. "An additional amount of Rs 100 crore for modernisation of Madrassas has been provided to the Department of School Education," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in his budget speech.
He added that a programme would be launched for minorities for upgradation of their skills and training in ancestral arts. Christened 'Upgradation of Traditional Skills in Arts, Resources and Goods', the programme is aimed at preserving the traditional arts and crafts which are a rich heritage, the finance minister said.
In its poll manifesto, BJP had promised to introduce a national Madrassa modernization programme. The BJP manifesto said that the party is committed to the preservation of the rich culture and heritage of India's minority communities; alongside their social and economic empowerment.
"It is unfortunate that even after several decades of independence, a large section of the minority, and especially Muslim community continues to be stymied in poverty. Modern India must be a nation of equal opportunity.
BJP is committed to ensuring that all communities are equal partners in India's progress, as we believe India cannot progress if any segment of Indians is left behind," the BJP manifesto had said.