Minority budget allocation inadequate, says Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka
Bengaluru: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka said the allocation made for minority welfare in the state budget was inadequate when compared to the community’s population share and development requirements.
Addressing reporters, on Saturday, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka president Mohammed Sa’ad Belgami said the state budget with a total outlay of ₹4.48 lakh crore had earmarked around ₹3,400 crore for minority welfare programmes and schemes.
He pointed out that minorities constitute nearly 15 percent of Karnataka’s population, but the allocation for their welfare accounts for less than one per cent of the total budget.
“Allocating not even one per cent of the overall budget outlay for minorities raises serious questions about equity and proportional representation in public spending,” Belgami said.
He also referred to the Congress party’s election manifesto, which had promised that annual allocation for minority welfare would be increased to ₹10,000 crore.
According to him, the current allocation marks a decline from the previous figure of ₹4,700 crore, which had constituted about 1.18 per cent of the total budget.
Belgami said minority communities continue to face gaps in access to quality education, employment opportunities, housing and support for entrepreneurship.
In this context, he said stronger measures were needed to expand scholarship schemes, strengthen minority educational institutions, promote skill development and encourage entrepreneurship among minority youth.
He urged the government to take concrete steps in future budgets to ensure adequate resources are provided for the educational, economic and social advancement of minority communities in the state.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
