India among ‘safest homes’ for minorities: Rijiju

New Delhi, May 19: The National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Government of India, Tuesday organized the Conference of State Minorities Commissions at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
The conference brought together representatives of State Minorities Commissions, senior officials from State Governments and Union Territories, policymakers and eminent representatives from minority communities to deliberate upon issues concerning minority welfare, institutional strengthening and inclusive development.
The conference served as an important platform for dialogue, coordination and exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening mechanisms for protection of minority rights and improving the delivery of welfare measures for minority communities across the country. The conference was graced by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, and Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Berjis Desai, Member, NCM; S. Munawari Begum, Member, NCM; Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, NCM; Danish Azad Ansari, Minister of State, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Zama Khan, Minister of Minority Welfare, Government of Bihar and Dr Atya Nand, Joint Secretary, NCM.
Speaking at the event, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs said, “The contribution of all minority communities to India’s growth and development is immense. The Parsi community has made extraordinary contributions to industry and the economy, Christians have played a significant role in education and healthcare, while Muslims, Buddhists, Jains and other minority communities have enriched India’s cultural, intellectual and social fabric in countless ways.”
He further added, “India continues to remain one of the safest and most inclusive homes for minorities. When we look at neighboring countries in the Indian subcontinent, we often see minority communities facing existential challenges and seeking refuge in India. From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, minorities from across the region have looked towards India as a place of shelter, security and dignity.”
Addressing the gathering, George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, focused on welfare schemes like PMJVK that are empowering minority communities by building advanced infrastructure. He stressed the focus of the Central Government towards securing minority communities and taking them forward to make India a developed nation by 2047.
In her address, Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, NCM, elaborated on the Commission’s robust grievance redressal mechanism. She informed that over the past five years, the Commission has maintained a strong record of grievance redressal, reflecting its commitment to timely intervention and resolution. Between 2021–22 and 2025–26, a total of 9,558 petitions were received, out of which 9,230 complaints were disposed of, demonstrating a consistently high disposal rate. The Secretary also elaborated on the new work being undertaken by the Commission on studies and outreach, including seminars focused on the Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities.
Danish Azad Ansari, Minister of State, Government of Uttar Pradesh, elaborated on the Pasmanda Muslim community and highlighted the Government’s efforts for their welfare and empowerment, essential for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Mohammad Zama Khan, Minister for Minority Welfare, Government of Bihar, stressed the requirement for minority welfare schemes and ensuring a sense of security.
Berjis Desai, Member, NCM, highlighted certain limitations in the Commission’s jurisdiction and emphasized that stronger coordination among State Minority Commissions could bring meaningful change and further strengthen the protection of minority rights.
S. Munawari Begum, Member, NCM, underscored the immense potential of the PM VIKAS Yojana in empowering minority communities and noted that collective efforts, coupled with greater awareness, could pave the way for significant progress and development.