By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
Mumbai: The state of Maharashtra budgeted 167 crore for Minorities Development Department for financial year 2008-09 but has failed to spend any amount.
The state launched Minorities Development Department in March of 2008 and budgeted 167 crore but its failure to spend any money shows the seriousness of the Congress government in dealing with problems of the minorities.
According to media reports Maharashtra has been able to spend only 34 per cent of the Rs 29,000 crore annual plan funds for this financial year.
Minorities Development Department, a brainchild of former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh was launched in response to Sachar Committee Report. Deshmukh was replaced following terrorist attack on Mumbai in November.
Movement for Peace & Justice (MPJ) has reacted strongly to this under-utilization of the budget. It has submitted a memorandum to the current CM Ashok Chavhan on Dec. 26th. MPJ has threatened to launch an agitation to raise awareness about the inefficient working of the government if CM does not give a satisfactory reply.
According to 2001 census, 10% of Maharashtra residents are Muslims.