The debate on redefining minority status has started again in India. BJP MP Bhim Singh raised this issue in Parliament. He asked how Muslims remain a national minority when they make up 14.2% of India’s population. He said India must review the old system. Singh added that redefining minority status is important for fair welfare benefits.
He explained that population numbers change from state to state. Muslims are a minority in India, but they are the majority in several regions. They form 96% of Lakshadweep, 69% of Jammu and Kashmir, 34% of Assam, 27% of West Bengal, and 26% of Kerala. At the same time, Hindus are a minority in Kashmir but do not get any minority benefits. Christians are only 2.3% of India’s population, but they are the majority in many Northeast states.
Singh said India should define minorities in two new ways. One way is by using local population share. The other way is by giving minority status only to groups below 2% of the national population. He believes this change will support truly small and vulnerable communities.
