A minority by its original definition, refers to a people whose practices, race, religion, ethnicity, or other characteristics are lesser in numbers than the main groups of those classifications and to safeguard their rights India, observe Minorities Rights Day every year on December 18.
The main aim to celebrate Minorities Rights Day is to create awareness among the people who belongs to minority group about their rights. The day also focuses on the issues facing the minorities in the country.
This day also helps in having a better understanding of the issues of minorities and their safety concerns. Indian constitution guarantees equal rights for every citizens including safeguarding the rights of people from religious, linguistic, ethnic minorities.
History of Minorities Rights Day:
The Minorities Rights Day is celebrated by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). On 18 December 1992, the United Nations adopted the Statement on the individual’s Rights belonging to religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities.
It highlighted religious linguistic, cultural, and national identity of the minorities that shall be respected, preserved, and protected by the states and within individual territories.
Ministry of Minority Affairs:
The Ministry was established on 29 January 2006. It was carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Minister responsible is Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
The Constitutional and Statutory Bodies that are set up by the govt. of India are Central Wakf Council (CWC), National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM).
According to the 2011 Census data, minorities constitute 19.30% (23.37 crore) of India’s population. These include Muslims (14.2%), Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.3%), Buddhists (0.7%), Jains (0.4%) and Parsis.
The right to practice and profess any faith has allowed religious communities to thrive in India. Over the years since India’s Independence, laws have been passed both at the Union and State level to protect religious minorities against any form of discrimination or persecution.
Moreover, religious as well as linguistic minorities in India are allowed to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice under Article 30 of the Constitution.
