Minorities

It is pointed out at the outset that our constitution, being consecreted by the ideals of equality and justice both in the social and political fields, abolishes any discrimination either against or in favour of any classes of persons on the grounds of religion, race or place of birth.

In respect of those sections of community who were socially and economically backward at the time of enactment of constitution, in order to aid them at the start, certain temporary measures to help the backward sections to come up to same level with the rest of the nation, as well as certain permanent safeguards for the protection of the cultural, linguistic and similar rights of any section of the community said to constitute a 'minority' from numerical and not communal point of view have been provided.

It may be interesting to note that the provision guaranteeing religious freedom to every individual covers all citizens uniformly and no specific safeguards are provided in favour of any denomination whether numerically high or low.

The permenent safeguards for minorities are:=

1) guarantee of linguistic and cultural rights.
2) facilities for instruction in mother tongue.
3) Special officr for linquistic minorities.
4) No discrimination in state educational institutions.
5) Right to establish educational insiitutions of their choice.
6) No discrination in state aid to educational institutions.
7) No discrimination in public employment.
8) Upliftment of SC/ST/BC.
9) Special provisions for SC/ST.

Temporary provisions for minorities:-

1) Reservation of seats in Lok Sabha for SC/ST
2) reservation of seats in Legislative assemblies.
3) Reservation in state employment for SC/ST/BC.

From the above it is apparent that the term 'minority' does not have any religious connotation at all and is an all embracing description of all those who are disadvantaged due to their geographical location or social/economic backwrdness or victims of centuries-old discminination.

It is indeed sad that even after more than half a century since enactment of our constitution, the need for continuation of these provisions remains.

The present political lexicon interpreting 'minority' as non-Hindus alone in general and muslims/christians in particular is inappropriate.

...ponder