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Lok Sabha
As per the Census 2001 the decadal growth rate of Muslim population for 1991-2001 (excluding Jammu & Kashmir) has been 29.3 percent. The literacy and work participation rate for Muslims in the country as a whole has been 59.1% and 31.3% respectively during that period. Giving this information in the Lok Sabha in a written reply the Minister of State for Home, Shri Manikrao Gavit said the Muslims have registered the highest decadal growth rate of population as compared to other main religious communities. They are, however, lower in literacy and work participation rates.
He said the Government has been taking various measures for welfare of Minorities, which include Muslims. The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) has been providing concessional finance to the minorities living below double the poverty line for self-employment. Rs.610 crores covering 2.20 lakh beneficiaries have been disbursed since its inception in 1994.
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) safeguards the interests of the Minorities. The Government has decided to grant constitutional status to the NCM.
The Government has in October 2004 set up a National Commission to recommend measures for welfare of socially and economically backward sections amongst religious and linguistic minorities, including reservation in education and government employment.
He clarified that the United Nation’s Millennium Development goals are meant for the welfare of all the people in the country and are not aimed at specific category/section of the population within the country.
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