West Bengal Reduces Minority Affairs Budget, Leaders Seek Accountability
Times of India | 24 June 2026
Kolkata: Concern over the sharp reduction in West Bengal’s minority affairs and madrasa education budget has been accompanied by a call for accountability from politicians and religious figures belonging to the minority community, many of whom argued that large allocations made by previous govts often failed to translate into meaningful development on the ground. While criticising the cut in funding, they urged the govt to ensure that the money allocated is fully utilised for education, infrastructure, scholarships and welfare programmes benefiting minority communities.
While expressing concern over the cut, several community leaders shifted the debate beyond the size of the allocation. They urged the govt to ensure that every rupee allocated is spent transparently on education, infrastructure, scholarships and socio-economic upliftment.
Presenting the state budget for 2026-27, finance minister Swapan Dasgupta proposed an allocation of Rs 2,165.4 crore for the department, significantly lower than the Rs 5,713 crore earmarked by the previous govt in its interim budget for 2025-26. The dept oversees welfare programmes for minority communities, including scholarships, skill development initiatives and support for educational institutions, including the state’s 614 recognised govt-aided madrasas.
Furfura Sharif cleric Toha Siddiqui said the focus should be on utilisation rather than headline figures. “The previous govt sanctioned crores and crores of rupees for minorities, but people only heard the numbers. There was very little visible work on the ground,” said Siddiqui.
“Although the allocation has been reduced, we hope they will not be misused or remain unutilised. I would urge CM Suvendu Adhikari to ensure that the money is used for the purpose for which it has been allocated and does not remain unspent.”
AJUP MLA Humayun Kabir echoed the sentiment while expressing concern over the reduction. “The allocation has undoubtedly been reduced. But, if the govt utilises 90% to 100% of the funds, it will be a positive step. If it fails to do so, people will judge its intentions accordingly,” said Kabir.
ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui described the reduction as one of the negative aspects of the budget but stressed the need for effective implementation. “There are positives and negatives in every budget. The drastic reduction in allocation is certainly a concern. We expect the govt to spend the entire amount for the welfare and development of minorities,” he said.
Akhruzzaman, chief whip of Trinamool rebel MLA group, said the reduction was worrying but added that the govt’s performance would ultimately be judged by how effectively the funds were utilised.
Leaders of several imam associations also voiced concern over the reduced allocation, particularly its potential impact on education and welfare schemes. However, they maintained that accountability and proper utilisation of funds were equally important.