A report by the Economic Advisory Council to the PM has indicated that minorities in India are thriving, as the share of the majority population has decreased in the country between 1950 and 2015. The report, authored by Shamika Ravi, Abraham Jose, and Apurv Kumar Mishra, shows that the share of Hindus has declined by 7.8% during this period, while the share of Muslims has increased by over 43%. Similarly, the share of Christians and Sikhs has also seen an increase, while the share of Jains and Parsis has decreased. The report suggests that these trends reflect a conducive environment for fostering diversity in society.

The study, titled ‘Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)’, argues that it is essential to provide a nurturing environment and societal support to disadvantaged sections of society in order to promote better life outcomes. The authors note that the decrease in the share of the majority population and the corresponding increase in the share of minorities suggest that policy actions, political decisions, and societal processes have culminated in creating an environment that embraces diversity.

However, the analysis has faced criticism from the Population Foundation of India (PFI). The PFI cautions against using the study’s findings to fuel fear or discrimination against any community. It highlights that the decadal growth rate for Muslims has been declining for the past three decades, with a more significant decline compared to Hindus during the same period. The PFI points out that the census data from 1951 to 2011 aligns with the findings of the report, indicating that the numbers presented are not new.

In conclusion, the report sheds light on the thriving status of minorities in India and emphasizes the need for a nurturing environment and support to disadvantaged sections of society. It underscores the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.