The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has allotted Rs 3,780 crore centrally sponsored scheme which will be aiming to improve basic amenities and socio-economic parameters in 90 Muslim minority concentration districts of the country. The expenditure will continue till the 11th plan period end. The Government has also directed the States and Union Territories to create a special department to oversee and monitor the utilisation of funds. The “Multicultural Development Programme” (MCDs), which will be targeting the country’s substantial Muslim population mainly in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar States.
According to a report, the proposal to go in for targeted intervention was born after the Sachar Panel gave its report detailing the poor socio-economic and educational status of the country’s Muslims. The scheme would focus roads, basic health facilities, ICDS centres, skill developments, marketing facilities, infrastructure for education, housing, drinking water, power supply and creation of income generating opportunities. While the Centre has already approved a number of scholarship schemes for those belonging to the minority communities, the scheme for MCDs is by far the most substantial in terms of the money allocated for it.