Minister for Social Welfare, Mr. Sajjad Gani Lone today informed the Upper House that the central government has already notified Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zorastrains, Christians and Jain communities as “National Minority” in terms of National Commission for Minorities Act 1992.Replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Charanjeet Singh regarding non-inclusion of Sikh community as a minority community as per the ratio of population, he said the declaration of any community as “National Minority” is in the purview of centre and outside the domain of state government.
The Minister said that in view of the diverse socio-religious demographic status of the state, it is very difficult to constitute Minority Commission & subsequently declare minorities at state level. He said in Jammu Division Hindus are in majority while as Muslims along with other religions are in minority, but there is a different situation in Kashmir and Ladakh divisions, where Muslims and Buddhists are in majority respectively.The Minister said that at district levels the scenario is altogether different. He said, however, all these factors are being examined for appropriate action.