New Delhi: Minorities Rights Day is observed on December 18 every year. The day promotes the importance of helping minorities overcome the challenges they face. Minorities Rights Day also plays a critical role in raising awareness about eliminating discrimination against several minority groups.
A minority comprises less than half of a population and shares common traits, such as ethnicity, religion, language, and culture. The term “minority” can also mean:
Vulnerable groups who face discrimination, exclusion or targeting.
A political party or group that has fewer votes.
The time before a person becomes an adult.
There is no agreed-upon definition of a minority across the world. However, the United Nations Minorities Declaration supports and protects minority rights.
In India, the National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992 identifies certain religious groups as minorities. The National Commission for Minorities and State Minorities Commissions work to protect the interests of these communities.
In this article, let us learn why the Minorities Rights Day is observed on December 18.
Why is Minorities Rights Day observed on December 18 in India?
Minorities Rights Day was established to honour the UN Declaration adopted on December 18, 1992. This declaration highlights the rights of people in minority groups to enjoy their culture, practice their religion, and speak their language without discrimination.
In response, India took an important step by creating the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National Commission for Minorities Act (1992). This commission works to protect and promote the rights of minority communities in the country.
The day raises interest and awareness about the importance of minority rights. Recognising these rights helps society and the state develop. When people from different national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds belong, countries can enjoy peace and stability. This stability is crucial for progress that benefits everyone.
National Commission of Minorities
The Union Government set up the National Commission for Minorities in 1992 to protect the rights of minority communities. At first, five religious groups—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—were recognised as minorities. Later, on January 27, 2014, Jains were also added to this list.
Many states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, have created State Minorities Commissions. These commissions are located in the capitals of their respective states.
The State Commissions protect the rights of minority communities as outlined in the Constitution and laws. Members of minority communities can contact their State Minority Commissions for help with their complaints.
Minorities Rights Day highlights the crucial role of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in safeguarding the rights of religious minorities. The observance of this day promotes inclusivity and understanding, fostering peace and stability within a diverse nation. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
