The government of Karnataka has fixed a target of 1,000 beneficiaries for this financial year under its scheme, Shadi Bhagya, for brides coming from economically weaker section of the Muslim community. Each bride will be paid Rs 50,000 for household goods and others subject to fulfilment of 13 conditions.
While the political parties accused the government of “Muslim appeasement” through this scheme, a section of Muslims also feels that schemes of this kind serve a narrow purpose. K.M. Ashraf, State secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said while the scheme is welcome, it should be need-based rather than having fixed targets. On the other hand, the minority wing of the state welcomed the move of the state government and termed it as a gift for Muslims.