In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to?
- 1.It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
- 2.The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha.
- 3.It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister's 15-Point Programme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
The Constitution of India under Article 29 and 30 grants cultural and educational rights to minorities, allowing them to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The Prime Minister's 15-Point Programme for the welfare of minorities also outlines specific measures and benefits designed for minority communities, including reservations in education and employment. However, there is no provision for automatic nomination of a community representative to the Lok Sabha by the President based solely on minority status; such nominations are typically based on specific criteria for representation of certain communities or Anglo-Indian representation, which is a separate mechanism.
Source: UPSC gs1 2011