India's Muslim Community Benefitted Equally from Modi Government Schemes, Says Former CEA
Former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Krishnamurthy Subramanian has stated that India's Muslim community has benefitted equally from various schemes implemented by the Modi government, including those for housing, health benefits, and power. He cited the "Bare Necessities Index" developed in the Economic Survey 2020-21 to support his claim.
water, sanitation, housing, microenvironment, and other facilities. According to Subramanian, the increase in the index from 2012 to 2018 (latest available data from NSSO surveys) is the same for both Hindus and Muslims. This suggests that the Modi government has helped improve access to basic necessities equally for both religious groups.
Subramanian further emphasized that access to basic necessities has improved for every religious group in the country. However, as access was initially higher for other religious groups, their increase has been lower. Nevertheless, the levels of access to basic necessities remain higher for other religious groups as of 2018.
Subramanian concluded by stating that the Prime Minister has "walked the talk" of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, which translates to "Together with all, development for all." He urged people to think about their children's economic future and not be swayed by the "psychology of fear created by vested interests."
Objective Assessment of Amenities Programs in India’, found no evidence of the Modi government catering only to one community from 2015-16 to 2019-21. In fact, it claimed that in some cases, minority communities have gained more than the majority.
The study examined the gains in electricity, bank accounts, mobiles, and toilets, citing data to contest the perception of ‘dwindling democracy’ in India as alleged by opposition parties. It concluded that the government is responsive to the needs of marginalized sections of society irrespective of religion, caste, or place of residence. This, according to the study, is a robust indicator of strengthening democracy in India.