New Delhi : The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Syed Sadatullah Husaini spelt out comprehensive suggestions for the upcoming Union Budget at the JIH Monthly Press Conference at their headquarters. Briefing the media, the JIH President said, “We urge the government to present a transformative Union Budget 2025-26 that addresses the pressing issues of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. The nation is grappling with a livelihood crisis, evidenced by 45% youth-unemployment, 20% of the population in poverty, and stagnant agrarian growth at 2.8% (CMIE). We want the government to shift from business-centric policies to citizen-focused solutions that enhance welfare, stimulate demand, and promote inclusive development. Social security schemes must be bolstered to ensure economic justice for marginalized and minority communities.”

Elaborating further, Syed Sadatullah stated, “On the expenditure side, we call for increased allocations to critical sectors. We recommend reversing budget cuts to MGNREGA, introducing MGNREGA-like programs for urban unemployment, and establishing Rural Employment Hubs to promote renewable energy and agro-processing. Healthcare spending must rise to 4% of GDP, while education funding should be raised to 6% of GDP under a comprehensive “Mission Shiksha Bharat.” To empower minorities and SC/ST communities, we suggest reviving scholarships, creating skill zones, and launching programs to improve access to land and entrepreneurial opportunities. In agriculture, the government must prioritize debt relief, guaranteed MSP, and expanded irrigation projects. Additionally, we propose a phased rollout of Universal Basic Income (UBI) for vulnerable groups. Revenue measures should ensure fairness and resource optimization. We suggest capping GST on essentials at 5%, imposing windfall and digital taxes, and increasing states’ share in central taxes to 50%. Strengthening CSR norms and introducing tax-exempt infrastructure bonds will fund education and healthcare initiatives. Although some of our suggestions require radical policy shifts, we are confident that these will enable redistributive justice, ensure equitable growth, and restore faith in ‎governance by addressing the root causes of inequality, unemployment, and marginalization.‎”

Addressing the press meeting, JIH Vice President, Professor Salim Engineer talked about how Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has planned to designate 2025 as the “Year of Communal Harmony, Trust, and Understanding” to protect India’s legacy of communal harmony and unity in diversity. Prof Salim stated, “While India has long been a beacon of coexistence among diverse religious communities, there has been a significant rise in communal rhetoric, Islamophobia, mob lynching, and religious discrimination. It poses a grave challenge to our heritage of tolerance and trust. These divisive trends not only erode moral and spiritual values but also result in significant economic losses. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind believes that the people of India possess the strength and wisdom to resist communal and fascist forces. Through initiatives like Dharmik Jan Morcha and Sadbhavna Manch, JIH has actively promoted interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and unity. These platforms bring together diverse communities to engage in meaningful conversations, build bridges of trust, and counteract divisive narratives. We appeal to faith and social leaders to come forward and play their role in establishing ‎peace and ‎harmony in the country. We call upon every citizen to join us in this noble ‎endeavour and make 2025 a milestone that unites the people of India, builds mutual trust and ‎improves tolerance and inter-faith understanding.”‎

Voicing concern over the escalating harassment of the Muslim community in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, JIH Vice President, Malik Moatasim Khan, said, “The recent actions of the state administration, including the filing of cases against dozens of Muslims, among them MP Zia-Ur-Rahman Barq, are deeply concerning. This crackdown follows the tragic police firing in November last year, where innocent Muslim youths lost their lives during protests against a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Now, in an apparent politically motivated campaign, power cuts, hefty fines, and FIRs are being used to intimidate grieving families and marginalized individuals. The revival of decades-old cases from the 1978 communal riots further fuel communal tensions, creating division and fear. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind calls on the Uttar Pradesh government to halt these targeted operations immediately, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice for all affected. We urge the judiciary to protect constitutional rights and appeal to civil society and media to speak out against these injustices to promote peace and harmony.”