Govt Strengthens Welfare Schemes for Minorities Under ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ Policy

New Delhi- The Government of India is actively working towards the welfare and upliftment of every section of society, including the six centrally notified minority communities—Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jains, Parsis, and Sikhs—under its inclusive development policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, stated that the government has adopted a holistic and saturation-based approach to ensure that all eligible citizens benefit from central welfare schemes. These efforts are especially focused on economically weaker and underprivileged sections within minority groups.

The government has not only implemented new initiatives but has also restructured several existing schemes to expand their coverage. These schemes have been made universal to cover all eligible beneficiaries, regardless of community, with a special focus on ensuring that minority communities are not left behind in the development journey.

This mainstreaming has resulted in the integration of minority-focused schemes into broader national frameworks, allowing better delivery and access across sectors such as education, skill development, healthcare, and livelihoods.

The government reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions that safeguard the rights of all citizens, including minorities. Articles 15, 16, 25, 26, 28, and 29 of the Indian Constitution protect citizens from discrimination and guarantee religious freedom. Specifically, Articles 30(1), 30(1A), and 30(2) ensure that minority communities have the right to establish and administer their own educational institutions and preserve their culture.

To ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of these welfare programs, the government has introduced comprehensive monitoring mechanisms. Key among them is the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under NITI Aayog, which has been mandated to monitor and evaluate the implementation of government schemes and initiatives.

DMEO uses the Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework (OOMF) to track scheme effectiveness using measurable indicators tied to specific goals. This approach enables better planning, policy correction, and stronger service delivery.

In addition to DMEO’s oversight, individual ministries and departments have established internal monitoring systems to track the progress and effectiveness of their respective schemes. These departments conduct regular reviews and evaluations to ensure targeted outcomes are being achieved.

The government’s continued focus on making development schemes inclusive and accessible aligns with its mission to ensure equal opportunities for all, especially those from marginalized communities. By strengthening both the reach and impact of welfare programs through transparent monitoring and restructuring, the government aims to bridge developmental gaps and promote socio-economic equality.