Minorities and Status of Human Rights in India

India is today one of the most powerful developing nations. This newly industrializing state enjoys a prominent status as the largest democratic nation-state in the world. Unlike some emerging polities, it has had several successful elections without military incursions into politics. It is a nuclear power and increasingly becoming a major economic actor in this era of the "New Globalization." In spite of her impressive developments, however, India continues to confront human rights problems with respect to minorities. After the formation of BJP Government in India there has been increasing sense of insecurity prevailing among religious minorities. In this context an attempt has been made in this paper to analyse the rights of religious minorities in India. The first part this paper tries to define minorities in India; the second deals with the position of minorities according to the Indian Constitution; and the third concerns with the role of state and the Civil Society in safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.