Record of Petitions: NCM Data
According to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) data, the highest number of 51 petitions were registered in 2021-22. In 2022-23 and 2023-24, 30 petitions were received each year. So far, 29 petitions have been received in 2024-25.
Information from the Ministry of Minority Affairs
In the past three years, the central government has received a total of 140 petitions related to attacks on minorities. The Ministry of Minority Affairs shared this information in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. This information was provided in response to a question raised by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who inquired about the central database for such incidents.
Minister’s Statement: No Central Record Available
In response, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government does not maintain a central record of crimes against minorities. However, he clarified that the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) keeps a record of the petitions received.
Regional Breakdown of Petitions
Region-wise, Delhi received the highest number of 34 petitions. Uttar Pradesh followed with 29 petitions, while Maharashtra had 10, Madhya Pradesh 8, West Bengal 7, Punjab 7, Haryana 7, Kerala 6, and Karnataka 6 petitions. Notably, no petitions have been received from Manipur, where ethnic conflict is still ongoing, and where over 40% of the population is Christian.
Minority Communities’ Status
In India, six communities are recognized as minorities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. These communities are granted minority status under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Minister’s Statement: Empowerment Programs
Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, “The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements programs for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of these six notified minority communities, particularly for their vulnerable sections.”
MP’s Objection: Need for a Centralized Database
However, MP John Brittas objected to the minister’s statement, calling it misleading. He argued that refusing to maintain a centralized database for attacks on minorities goes against the current practices followed for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
