Since coming to power at the center in 2014, Modi Government has faced incessant accusations from opposition, leftist and liberal groups, who have characterized it as a Hindu nationalist government, accused of discriminating against Muslim minorities.
As India, being the world’s largest democracy, elects its government through a free, fair and transparent process that is bolstered by strong regulations and balances to guard against abuse of power, the knack of discriminating against such a government carries considerable weight and casts doubt on the government’s credibility and the institutions that bind the nation together. But when the web of accusations unravels, an entirely different story emerges, intricately woven from factual threads and substantial evidence.
Accusations and Ground Reality
Modi Government is constantly under fire for its alleged Hindutva agenda and faces criticism from opposition parties, leftists & liberals. While these allegations have been prevalent, very little evidence has emerged regarding the veracity of these claims, particularly in the context of governance.
Opinions on the status of Muslims in India after 2014 may vary. Some reason that the condition of Muslims has worsened, while others assert that it has actually improved, contrary to the long-established narratives. The first view is cultivated under the targeted assumption that the Modi Government is de-facto anti-Muslim, while the second is based on recent trends and new insights. So which point of view applies in the context of ground reality? Let’s dig into the data and analyze some of the government initiatives to understand the real scenario.
Empowering Muslims Through Government Programs
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 of 2019-20, the Muslim population in India is estimated to be around 20.2 million, which is around 14.2 per cent of the total population. Available metrics show that the Muslim community has benefited significantly from various government schemes and initiatives, especially after the Modi Government came to power.
PM Jan Dhan Yojana: More than 42 per cent of the accounts opened under the flagship PM Jan Dhan Yojana are owned by Muslims. This clearly shows that the government’s financial inclusion efforts have been successful in reaching marginalized communities.
Skill India Programme: About 22.7 per cent of beneficiaries of Skill India schemes were from the Muslim community, making them the largest beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s focus on skill development provided opportunities for upward mobility for Muslims.
PMEGP: Muslim-owned businesses registered under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) have increased by 70 per cent since 2014. This reflects a growing entrepreneurial spirit among Muslims and their increased access to government support.
Education: The percentage of Muslim children enrolled in schools increased from 69.4 per cent in 2014 to 74.2 per cent in 2019, surpassing the national average of 72.7 per cent. In addition, the gender gap in male enrollment has narrowed, with Muslim girl enrollment increasing from 65.4 per cent in 2014 to 73.6 per cent in 2019. These figures indicate greater access to education by the Muslim community with a particular focus on promoting education among Muslim girls.
Scholarships: By 2021, more than 13 Lakh minority students, including Muslims, have received scholarships under the national scholarship portal, a significant increase from 3.5 Lakh students in 2014. This uplifts not only the students but also their families, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Empowerment of Muslim Women
Literacy rate: According to NFHS-5, the literacy rate among Muslim women has increased significantly to 72.6 per cent compared to 50.7 per cent in the previous NFHS-4 survey conducted in 2015-16. This reflects the success of government efforts in empowering Muslim women.
Triple Talaq Bill: The passage of the Triple Talaq Bill was a historic moment for Muslim women, giving them legal protection against instant divorce and securing their rights. This legislative reform was a major step towards gender equality and empowerment.
PM Ujjwala Yojana & PM Awas Yojana: These initiatives aimed at providing LPG connection and affordable housing has greatly benefited Muslim women, increasing their quality of life and financial independence.
The data presented here clearly show that the policies of the Modi Government have led to a significant improvement in the situation of Muslims in India. The government’s focus on inclusive growth and empowerment has positively impacted various aspects of their lives, including education, financial inclusion, social status and entrepreneurship.
While critics may continue to spread the narrative of discrimination against Muslims, the ground reality tells a different story. The government’s core objective has been “Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikaas”, to uplift all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation, create a more inclusive society, and promote social peace and national progress.
As we move forward, it is imperative that citizens and critics alike recognize and support these efforts rather than perpetuate divisive narratives. By adopting inclusive policies, India can truly progress as a united and thriving nation where every individual irrespective of their background can prosper and contribute to the growth of a New India.
