19 Dec Empowering Minorities: Building Inclusive India!
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs,” and the topic details related to Empowering Minorities: Building Inclusive India!
Syllabus mapping:
GS-2: Social issues: Vulnerable sections and welfare schemes related to it.
GS-1: Indian Society: Diversity of India.
For Prelims:
What are the schemes related to the empowerment of the Indian minority community?
For Mains:
What are the policies and initiatives of the government of India, challenges faced by the minority community, and ways to address these challenges?
“The government has strived to serve the people with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ and the principles of ’Sarv Panth Sambhav’, which means all religions are equal.”
~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched multiple schemes targeting the six notified minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—which collectively make up 19.3% of India’s population. Recent updates highlight the identification of 90 Minority Concentration Districts, 710 Blocks, and 66 Towns, where resources are being focused to uplift these communities.
Initiatives and Institutions for the Minority:
1. Ministry of Minority Affairs: Established on 29th January 2006 with primary mandate includes policy formulation, coordination, evaluation, and oversight of development programs for minority communities.
2. National Commission for Minorities (NCM): Set up under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the NCM works to safeguard the rights of minorities in India.
3. The Waqf Act, 1995: Administered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, this Act governs waqf properties and establishes the Central Waqf Council (CWC), a statutory body to oversee the administration of waqf properties.
4. Dargah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer: Administered under the Durgah Khawaja Saheb Act, 1955, the Dargah Committee facilitates millions of devotees visiting the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
5. Education Promotion Schemes:
6. Skill Development Initiatives: PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan): Focuses on industry-relevant skills training for youth. USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development): Aims to preserve and develop traditional arts and crafts.
7. Economic Empowerment: The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), established in 1994, provides financial assistance to minority entrepreneurs. Till 2023-24, Rs 8,771.88 crore were disbursed to 23.85 lakh beneficiaries through various credit programs.
8. PMJVK (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram): This infrastructure development scheme addresses socio-economic gaps in minority-concentrated areas.
9. Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Jiyo Parsi Scheme and Hamari Dharohar Scheme aim to preserve minority cultural heritage
Challenges Faced by Minorities in India:
Discrimination and Stigmatization: Minorities in India, particularly religious and ethnic groups, often face systemic discrimination and stigmatization.
Violence and Communal Riots: Communal violence remains a significant challenge for minorities in India. In 2023, over 200 people were killed in Manipur due to clashes between ethnic groups, with minorities disproportionately affected.
Legal Constraints on Minority Rights: Laws such as the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act limit funding for NGOs that advocate for minority rights, restricting their ability to support these communities.
Systemic Biases and Trust Issues in Law Enforcement: Minority communities face extrajudicial actions and arbitrary detentions, which undermine trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
Lower Income Levels: According to the Sachar Committee Report, Muslim households have lower average income levels than their Hindu counterparts, reflecting widespread economic disadvantage.
Unemployment Rates: The Employment-Unemployment Survey (2017-18) revealed that Muslims, in particular, have higher unemployment rates than other religious groups.
Restrictions on Freedom of Expression: According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, India ranked 161st out of 180 countries, signaling increased suppression of dissenting voices for minorities’ rights.
Cultural Erosion: The dominance of majority cultural narratives often overshadows minority traditions, leading to cultural erosion.
Lack of Representation: The eighteenth Lok Sabha has the lowest share of Muslim Members of Parliament (MPs) in six decades, with less than 5% of its members belonging to the Muslim community, despite Muslims constituting over 15% of India’s population. Currently, there are only 24 Muslim MPs, making up just 4.4% of the Lok Sabha.
Ways to Empower Minorities in India
Enhance Legal Protections: The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the socio-economic disadvantages faced by Muslim minorities in India, recommending enhanced legal protections. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) works to protect the rights of minorities by addressing grievances and ensuring legal safeguards.
Promote Inclusive Education: The Kundu Committee Report (2011) on the Social, Educational, and Economic Status of Muslims recommends measures to improve education, especially for the backward classes within the community.
Improve Economic Opportunities: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aims to provide financial inclusion for marginalized communities, including minorities, by promoting access to banking services.
Strengthen Healthcare Access: The Ranganath Misra Commission Report (2004) identified the health challenges faced by minorities and recommended increased healthcare services in minority-populated areas.
Encourage Political Representation: Implement policies to ensure greater political participation and representation of minorities at local, state, and national levels. Support leadership development programs for minority youth and women to encourage active participation in governance.
Curb Discrimination and Promote Social Integration: The Equitable Growth Program promotes social integration through educational scholarships and financial empowerment for minorities.
Strengthen Law Enforcement Accountability: Ensure that law enforcement agencies are trained in handling minority-related issues and held accountable for actions that violate minority rights.
Foster Community-Based Initiatives: Support the establishment of regional networks and organizations that advocate for minority rights and community welfare.
Empower Minority Women and Youth: Provide targeted programs for women and youth in minority communities to improve their educational, economic, and social opportunities.
Conclusion:
Government minority welfare programs focus on empowering marginalized communities by improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These initiatives promote inclusivity, helping minorities thrive and contribute to India’s social and economic development. The goal is to build an equitable society where every citizen has the resources to succeed and drive the nation’s progress.
Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (ENG) 19th Dec 2024
Prelims question:
Q. The main objective of the USTTAD Scheme is:
A. Preservation of the traditional art and crafts
B. Employing the Minority community
C. women empowerment through technical training
D. Doubling the farmer’s income by 2030
ANSWER: A
Mains question
Q. Despite various government policies to empower minority communities, significant challenges persist. Discuss the key challenges faced by minorities in India and suggest effective solutions.
(Answer in 250 words)
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