While the union budget for 2009-10 raised the allocation for minority welfare, the funds remain a pittance compared to the extent of backwardness and discrimination faced by the minorities. Further, political disinterest and ingrained prejudices in sections of the bureaucracy often lead to diversion of funds and unspent amounts. The government needs to show greater political will while citizens need to monitor these schemes at the grass roots. Otherwise these schemes will remain crumbs thrown at a hapless section of India's citizens.
