Minorities and Indian Constitution

This paper examines the provisions relating to minorities in India with respect to their rights and representation. It begins with the definition of minorities and analyses various viewpoints which were put forward in the Constituent Assembly relating to reservation of seats in the legislature for them as well as the means of representation. It discusses and examines the provisions related to minorities within the Constitution of India. By way of conclusion, it concludes that though the Indian Constitution contains several provisions relating to minorities, but still the minorities feel alienated. In order to remove this feeling of alienation, it suggests measures in the form of reservation to economically backward sections among the minorities in educational institutions, as modern education would enable them to become a part of the mainstream of Indian society which in turn would go a long way in removing their alienation.