Minorities Rights Day: From Equality to Religion, know 5 Rights of Minorities that Indian Constitution talks about

Minorities Rights Day: It advocates for the fundamental rights of the citizens belonging to the minority groups. Scroll down to read the 5 most important rights.

Minorities Rights Day: The day is celebrated every year on December 18, following the Adoption of the UN Declaration in 1992. This day is marked to raise awareness about the rights of minority communities, which continues to be a problematic issue. It’s marked by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). The Constitution of India provides fundamental rights to every citizen of the country, including those who belong to the minority communities. Here, we bring the five most prominent fundamental rights that the Indian Constitution provides for minorities that everyone should know.

1. Protection of interests of minorities (Article 29)

According to Article 29 of the Indian Constitution, minorities have the right to protect and preserve their distinct language, script, and culture, as it further helps in the protection of their identity.

2.  Freedom of Religion (Article 25-28)

Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution provide the minorities with the right to freedom of religion. They ensure that minorities get the fundamental right to profess, practise, and propagate the religion of their choice. However, it has certain limitations as to the rights that should be practised within the boundaries of public order, morality, and health.

3. Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment (Article 16)

Article 16 of the Indian Constitution stands for minorities’ right to equality of opportunity in public employment. It prohibits any kind of discrimination in public employment, including government. It also allocates the reservations to minority groups in the public employment for some groups like the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

4. Equality before law & Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 14-15)

In the Constitution of India, Articles 14 and 15 advocate for the right to equality and non-discrimination.  Article 14 states equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. On the other hand, Article 15 mentions that discrimination is prohibited on the grounds of religion, sex, caste, etc.

5. Right to establish and administer educational institutions (Article 30)

Article 30 of the Indian Constitution advocates for the right to establish and administer educational institutions. It provides the minorities belonging to religion and linguistics to establish and administer the educational institutions to protect their identity and culture. The aim of right is to give them an equal pedestal, rather than providing them with benefits.