Shri Mukherjee stated that the Plan allocation for the Ministry of Minority Affairs is being increased by nearly 50% from Rs.1740 crore to Rs.2600 crore for the year 2010-11. He added that the Government is close to achieving the target of 15% priority sector lending to minorities in the current year, which will be maintained in the next three years.
The Finance Minister announced the launch of a Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana to meet the specific needs of women farmers. Rs. 100 crore is being provided for this initiatives as a sub-component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission.