Context: A recent working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has shed light on India's evolving religious demographics between 1950 and 2015.
India's Demographic Landscape
Highlights of the study
- The study, titled 'Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015),' reveals intriguing trends that underscore India's conducive environment for fostering diversity.
Changing Religious Composition
- Over the span of 65 years, India has witnessed significant shifts in its religious composition.
- The share of the Hindu population decreased by 7.82%, from 84.68% in 1950 to 78.06% in 2015. Conversely, the Muslim population saw a notable increase of 43.15%, rising from 9.84% to 14.09% during the same period.
- Meanwhile, other religious communities experienced varying trajectories. The share of Christians rose marginally from 2.24% to 2.36%, while Sikhs saw a modest increase from 1.24% to 1.85%. However, the Parsi community faced a substantial decline, with their share plummeting by 85%, from 0.03% to 0.004%.
Global and Regional Perspectives
- India's demographic trends stand out against regional and global contexts. Unlike neighbouring countries where minority populations have faced alarming shrinkage, India's minority shares have surged.
- This is particularly remarkable given the wider South Asian neighbourhood’s trend of increasing majority dominance and diminishing minority presence.
Policy Implications and Baseline Year
- The paper underscores the significance of 1950 as a baseline year.
- This period marked the emergence of the international human rights framework, emphasizing the protection of minority rights.
Implications for Social Policy
- The findings highlight the importance of nurturing a supportive environment for diverse communities.
- Policy actions and societal processes play crucial roles in shaping demographic dynamics.
- The paper suggests that promoting better life outcomes for disadvantaged sections necessitates a bottom-up approach, rooted in inclusive policies and societal support.
Conclusion
India's demographic landscape presents a nuanced narrative of change and continuity. Amidst global and regional trends of religious polarization, India stands as a beacon of diversity. The EAC-PM's working paper underscores the need for continued efforts to uphold the principles of inclusivity and tolerance, essential for fostering a pluralistic society in the 21st century.