The slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” frequently espoused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appears hollow in light of the treatment of minorities since his assumption of office in May 2014. Institutions dedicated to minority welfare have suffered under discriminatory policies, with the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) being the latest casualty.
Over the past decade, minority-focused institutions have faced significant challenges, signaling a disregard for minorities’ concerns and representation. Discrimination against minorities has manifested in various forms, including dwindling political representation, rising incidents of mob violence such as lynching, and a pervasive sense of insecurity.
The emergence of mob lynching, particularly targeting Muslims, has become disturbingly common since the tragic incident involving Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri, UP, in September 2015. Shockingly, perpetrators of such violence often go unpunished, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and unease among minorities.
Muslims, in particular, have faced systematic discrimination and persecution. Various states, especially those governed by the BJP, have witnessed a disturbing trend of targeted destruction of Muslim properties under flimsy pretexts. This phenomenon underscores a worrying competition among BJP-ruled states to perpetrate harm against Muslim communities.
In an effort to bolster his Hindutva image, Prime Minister Modi discontinued the traditional Iftar feast hosted by the Prime Minister’s Office shortly after taking office. This move was seen as symbolic of a shift away from inclusive governance.
Moreover, significant policy changes, such as the abrupt discontinuation of the Haj travel subsidy in 2017 without adequate explanation, have added to the challenges faced by minorities. The Supreme Court’s directive to phase out the subsidy gradually by 2022 was not accompanied by appropriate compensatory measures from the government.
Funding for the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been consistently slashed year after year, leading to the termination of crucial initiatives aimed at supporting minority communities. Scholarships and programs designed to assist minority students in pursuing education and competitive exams have been abruptly discontinued, exacerbating educational disparities.
Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has criticized the government’s anti-minority policies, highlighting the arbitrary termination of key programs like the Maulana Azad National Fellowship. The reduced budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Minority Affairs starkly contrast with the demographic realities, where minorities constitute a substantial portion of India’s population.
Apart from budget cuts, BJP-led state governments have enacted discriminatory policies such as banning headscarves in educational institutions, leading to the forced exclusion of hijab-wearing Muslim girls from schools and universities. This discriminatory action has been condemned by civil liberties organizations for violating the rights of Muslim women.
The targeting of madrasas, essential educational institutions for many impoverished Muslim families, is another concerning trend. Despite serving as vital hubs for basic education, madrasas have faced unwarranted scrutiny and legal challenges, threatening their existence.
Academic institutions like Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia have encountered threats to their minority status, leading to budgetary constraints and legal battles. Additionally, historic mosques have become subjects of legal disputes, raising questions about the sanctity of religious places under the Places of Worship Act of 1991.
The overall environment reflects a troubling narrative of increasing marginalization and hostility towards minorities in India. The failure to address these issues raises fundamental questions about the commitment of the government to uphold the principles of inclusivity and equal treatment for all citizens.
In conclusion, the plight of minorities under Prime Minister Modi’s tenure underscores broader challenges related to social cohesion and minority rights in India’s democratic framework. The erosion of institutional support and the normalization of discriminatory practices demand urgent attention and concerted efforts toward promoting genuine inclusivity and tolerance in the nation.