Minority budget jumps 160% in 2 yrs in Bengal

The budget for minorities has jumped by 160 per cent in West Bengal during the last two financial years, Finance minister Amit Mitra said here today.
Speaking at the inauguration of Milan Mela here Mitra said in 2011-12 the budget for minorities was Rs 330 crore which jumped to Rs 859 crore in 2013-14 under the TMC government.
Taking pride in the almost five-fold increase in scholarship for minority students in the last two years, he said their number which was 7.42 lakh till 2010-11 increased to over 34 lakh.
Mitra said financial assistance to self employed also jumped to Rs 1.57 lakh.

"This government is holding coaching workshops for competitive examinations in minority areas and there are plans to expand it," Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim said.
He hailed the Kanyashree scholarship programme introduced by the state aimed at preventing under-age marriage.