New Delhi: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said India continues to be one of the safest and most inclusive countries for minorities, asserting that communities from neighbouring nations often look towards India for protection, dignity and opportunities.
Rijiju made the remarks while addressing the Conference of State Minorities Commissions organised by the National Commission for Minorities at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, the minister said minorities from countries ranging from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka have historically viewed India as a place offering shelter, safety and respect. He added that minority communities have played a major role in shaping India’s social, economic and cultural progress.
Highlighting the contributions of different communities, Rijiju said the Parsi community made remarkable contributions to India’s industrial and economic growth, while Christians played a key role in expanding education and healthcare services. He also noted that Muslims, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs have significantly enriched the country’s intellectual, cultural and social landscape.
The conference brought together representatives from State Minorities Commissions, Union Territories, state governments and various minority communities to discuss welfare policies, institutional strengthening and inclusive development.
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian stressed the importance of welfare schemes such as the PM Jan Vikas Karyakram, saying the government was focused on improving infrastructure and empowering minority communities as part of its vision for a developed India by 2047.
NCM Secretary Alka Upadhyaya said the commission had resolved 9,230 complaints out of 9,558 petitions received between 2021-22 and 2025-26, reflecting a high grievance redressal rate.
The conference also included discussions on the role of minorities in nation building, administrative challenges faced by State Minorities Commissions and best practices adopted by states and Union Territories in welfare delivery.
Representatives from Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Christian and Parsi communities highlighted their historical contributions in areas such as education, trade, healthcare, philanthropy and social harmony, while also calling for stronger coordination and institutional support to improve minority welfare across the country.
