The Interim Budget unveiled by Hon’ble Finance Minister of India Dr Nirmala Seetharaman belies Prime Minister Modi’s clarion call of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights said.
“A detailed look at the budget reveals that calls for equitable and equal development that cuts across all communities remain a mere call at its best and are tantamount to chicanery at its worst,” it added.
The total Union Budget 2024-25 is Rs 5,108,780 crore, whereas the total allocation for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste is Rs 1,65,598 crore and for the Scheduled Tribes is Rs 1,21,023 crore. Of this, the targeted funds that will go directly to the Dalits are Rs 44,282 crore and to the Adivasis Rs 36,212 crore.
“The paltry allocations strengthen our belief that the budget, touted as a roadmap for economic recovery, fails to address the pressing needs and concerns of the Dalit and Adivasi communities in India, perpetuating existing disparities and hindering progress towards social justice and inclusivity,” NCDHR said.
Despite commitments to inclusivity, NCDHR said, the budget does not outline measures to ensure adequate representation of Dalits and Adivasis in decision-making bodies. “This oversight denies these communities the opportunity to actively contribute to policies that affect their lives and perpetuate systemic exclusion,” it added.
The allocation of the budget towards the implementation of NREGA has increased from Rs 10,500 crore to Rs 13,250 crore for Dalits, and for tribals, it has increased from Rs 7,350 crore to Rs 10,355 crore. On the other hand, the allocation towards Venture capital for Dalits has been drastically reduced from Rs 70 Cr to Rs. 10 Cr, whereas for Adivasis, the budget remains unchanged from last year, which was Rs. 30 crore.
NCDHR pointed out the increase in atrocities against Adivasi and the annual number, which stands at 10,064, whereas it was 8,802 in 2021.
“Despite these alarming numbers, the state has failed to ensure the fundamental right to access justice for Dalits and Adivasi, as highlighted by the Interim Budget. Budgetary allocations fall short of addressing the specific needs of Dalits and Adivasis within the justice system. The allocation towards implementation of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights stands at Rs 560 crore only,” NCDHR said.
“The allocation of Rs 160 crore towards the protection of Dalit and Adivasi women leaves the NCDHR to urge a reevaluation of the same to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources, with specific attention to the needs of Dalit and Adivasi women. It is imperative to recognise the intersectionality of gender, caste, and ethnicity, and allocate funds accordingly to uplift the most marginalised sections of society.” NCDHR added.
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The NCDHR pointed out that “there are several irrelevant schemes with very high allocations, but unfortunately, these schemes hardly give benefit to the communities,” and advocated for defunding the schemes. It also asked for increased allocation to direct benefit schemes like Post-Matric Scholarships, hostels, and skill development schemes and a higher allocation for the National Overseas scheme.
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