A recent working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) highlighted a significant reduction of 7.82% in the share of the majority religious denomination in India, reflecting broader shifts in the religious minority landscape.
Key Highlights
- The paper presents a cross-country descriptive analysis of the status of minorities worldwide, focusing on how their share of national populations has changed between 1950 and 2015.
- The year 1950 is crucial because it marks the establishment of international human rights frameworks, with the United Nations beginning to mainstream minority rights and the state’s responsibility for their protection.
India’s Changing Demographics
- The Hindu population has decreased by 7.82%, from approximately 79.8% in 2011.
- Conversely, the Muslim population has grown from 9.84% to 14.095%, while the Christian population rose slightly from 2.24% to 2.36%.
- The Sikh population saw an increase from 1.24% to 1.85%, and the Buddhist population grew from 0.05% to 0.81%.
- However, the Jain and Parsi communities have seen declines, with the Jain population dropping from 0.45% to 0.36%, and the Parsi community decreasing by a staggering 85% from 0.03% to 0.0004%.
The findings suggest a conducive environment for diversity, as the decreasing share of the majority population correlates with a rising share of religious minorities, reflecting broader societal shifts.
Regional Trends: South Asia’s Religious Minorities
In contrast to India, countries in the South Asian neighborhood, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, have seen a shrinking minority population, with the majority religious group growing significantly.
- In Bangladesh, there was an 18% increase in the share of the majority religious group, which is the largest such increase in the Indian subcontinent.
- Pakistan witnessed a 3.75% increase in the share of the Muslim majority.
- Maldives was an exception, seeing a decline in the share of the Shafi’i Sunni majority by 1.47%.
The report indicates that during times of duress, religious minority groups from these countries often seek refuge in India.
Global Trends in Religious Demographics
Globally, religious minorities have been shifting significantly. According to data on 38 OECD countries, 30 countries observed a notable decrease in the proportion of Roman Catholics, the predominant religious group, between 1950 and 2015.
- In 167 surveyed countries, the average reduction of majority populations globally was 22%.
- The decline was steeper in OECD countries, with an average decrease of 29%.
- In Africa, animism or native religions, dominant in 24 countries in 1950, no longer form a majority in any of these countries by 2015
Demographic Patterns and Their Impact
Demographic patterns refer to systematic variations and trends observed in human populations over time. These patterns are shaped by factors like birth rates, death rates, migration, and the composition of the population, often influencing national policies on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Healthcare: Demographics guide healthcare planning by identifying age-specific health needs.
- Education: Understanding population trends helps in school planning and teacher recruitment.
- Urban Planning: Population distribution influences city infrastructure, housing, and transportation.
- Ageing Population: Policymakers can address the needs of elderly citizens through targeted healthcare and pension schemes.
The Role of the National Commission for Minorities
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM), set up under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of religious minorities in India.
- Initially, five communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians (Parsis)—were notified as minority communities.
- In 2014, Jains were also recognized as a minority community.
- States have established their own State Minorities Commissions to further protect the rights of religious minorities at the regional level.
These commissions are empowered to handle grievances and provide redressal for religious minorities facing discrimination.
Conclusion
The shift in religious demographics and the growing share of religious minorities in India reflects broader global trends and emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Understanding these changes is crucial for policymakers as they address the needs of religious minorities and plan for a diverse, pluralistic society.
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