‘Minorities From Across The Region Look To India For Shelter, Security, Dignity’: Rijiju
‘Minorities From Across The Region Look To India For Shelter, Security, Dignity’: Rijiju Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 19:31 IST Kiren Rijiju made
‘Minorities From Across The Region Look To India For Shelter, Security, Dignity’: Rijiju Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 19:31 IST Kiren Rijiju made the remarks while addressing the Conference of State Minorities Commissions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. (File photo) Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said India continues to remain “one of the safest and most inclusive homes for minorities", asserting that minority communities from neighbouring countries often look towards India for shelter, dignity and security. Kiren Rijiju made the remarks while addressing the Conference of State Minorities Commissions organised by the Commission for Minorities (NCM) at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi. “From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, minorities from across the region have looked towards India as a place of shelter, security and dignity," Kiren Rijiju said, adding that minority communities have made immense contributions to India’s growth and development.
Highlighting the role of various religious communities, the minister said Parsis contributed significantly to industry and the economy, Christians played a major role in education and healthcare, while Muslims, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs enriched India’s cultural and intellectual fabric. The conference brought together representatives from State Minorities Commissions, state governments, Union Territories and minority communities to deliberate on minority welfare, institutional strengthening and inclusive development. Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian stressed the importance of welfare initiatives such as the PM Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), saying the government was focused on improving infrastructure and empowering minority communities as part of the vision for a developed India by 2047. NCM Secretary Alka Upadhyaya said the commission had disposed of 9,230 complaints out of 9,558 petitions received between 2021-22 and 2025-26, reflecting a consistently high grievance redressal rate.
The event also featured technical sessions on the role of minorities in nation-building, challenges faced by State Minorities Commissions and best practices adopted by states and Union Territories for minority welfare. Representatives from Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Christian and Parsi communities spoke about their historical contributions to India’s education, healthcare, trade, philanthropy and social harmony. Participants also discussed challenges such as staffing shortages, administrative coordination, grievance redressal and institutional capacity within State Minorities Commissions, while calling for stronger collaboration and policy coordination across states. The conference concluded with a renewed emphasis on strengthening inclusive governance and improving welfare delivery mechanisms for minority communities across the country. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: May 19, 2026, 19:31 IST News india ‘Minorities From Across The Region Look To India For Shelter, Security, Dignity’: Rijiju Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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