Outrage over negligible funding for Muslim education in Indian budget
New Delhi: The Indian Budget 2025-26 has sparked widespread criticism for its meager allocation of Rs 1 lakh for madrasas, despite an overall increase in the Minority Affairs Ministry’s budget.
According to Kashmir Media Service, educationists and opposition leaders denounced the move as a blatant attempt to marginalize Muslim educational institutions.
Critics argue that the stagnation in funding, following drastic cuts in previous years, signals the BJP government’s disregard for minority education. Maulana Arshad Qasmi, an Islamic scholar, called it an effort to push thousands of Muslim students into uncertainty.
The budget also slashes funding for key minority education programs, including pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, and free coaching schemes. Dr Shakeel Ahmed, an education policy expert, condemned the cuts, warning of long-term damage to minority empowerment.
Opposition leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Salman Khurshid, accused the Modi government of systematic discrimination. Human rights activist Dr Zafarul Islam Khan labeled the budget an attack on Muslim educational rights, while journalist Farah Naqvi said it exposes the BJP’s apathy towards minorities.
Despite government claims of holistic minority welfare, the budget’s failure to support madrasas has intensified concerns over exclusionary policies targeting Muslim education in India.
