The Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 has allocated ₹3,350 crore to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, an increase of ₹166 crore from last year’s budget estimate. This is also ₹1,481 crore more than the revised estimate for 2024-25.
Presenting the budget on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the government’s focus on minority welfare programs. Last year, the ministry was allocated ₹3,183.24 crore, but only ₹1,868.18 crore was actually spent, leading to concerns over the underutilization of funds.
This year’s budget includes ₹678.03 crore for the educational empowerment of students from minority communities. ₹1,237.32 crore has been earmarked for key schemes and projects to improve socio-economic conditions and provide equal opportunities.
A major portion—₹1,913.98 crore—has been set aside under the ‘Umbrella Programme for Development of Minorities,’ which covers various initiatives to uplift minority communities.
