Importance of recognition of rights of minorities

  • The Indian socio-economic fabric is very complex because it is much affected by caste, religion and all the more regional / linguistic differentials.
  • At the same time, the Indian economic, social and political institutions which are persisting since centuries have a historical basis
  • These factors have given a unique character to Indian society. It has become a conglomeration of various layers and segments divided and sub-divided.
  • The visionary framers of the Constitution were conscious of the insecurities of the minorities and, therefore, provided them the right to propagate and practise their religion freely, and assured protection to their places of worship.
  • Mahatma Gandhi went to the extent of saying that the claim of a country to be civilised depends on the way it treats its minorities.