Notwithstanding the Assembly elections looming large in Bihar and West Bengal, the two states have miserably failed in properly utilising the central fund allocated to them for minority welfare.
According to government figures, the two states stand at the bottom of the list of states provided with the fund for the purpose and their utilisation. Interestingly, the two states have cut a sorry figure on this count despite the fact that they account for a sizeable minority population and repeated claims and overtures made in favour of such populace by the ruling dispensations.
The Centre had allocated funds to states under the “Multi-Sectoral Development Programme for Minorities”. This is the Central initiative which is an extension of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 15-point programme for minorities. Among the list of states, Bihar and West Bengal appeared at the bottom with utilisation of 19 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively. But in comparison Uttar Pradesh has spent 39 per cent, while Assam 32 per cent.
Approximately 20 per cent of the total Rs 25,311 crores allocated for the programme were given to the two states. Of the total the Centre had provided most of the amount with only a meagre contribution made by the states. So out of about Rs 5,000 crores allocated to the two states, they could spend around Rs 800 crores only in the last five years ending March 31, 2010.
The programme covers 90 districts of the country, which have at least 25 per cent minority population. In Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar 21, 13, 12 and 7 districts are respectively covered under the scheme. All these districts have more than 25 per cent of minority population.