Minorities Rights Day at AMU

Aligarh : Faculty members of the Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) exchanged views on upholding the rights to freedom, dignity and equal opportunities of religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities in their deliberations to mark the ‘Minorities Rights Day’.

In a multicultural state like India there is a need to create awareness on the respect and dignity of minorities, said Prof Arshi Khan.

He also spoke about Constituent Assembly debates on minority issues and stressed on the obligation of the state to work for the welfare of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities.

Speaking on the powerlessness of indigenous people, scheduled castes and tribes; Dr Parvez Alam pointed out that the marginalised groups require special measures to ensure that they benefit from the same rights as the rest of the population.

He further said that it is the duty of the state to make sure that no ethnic, cultural and religious group is under-represented in public and private sectors.

Prof Mirza Asmer Beg shed light on the positioning of minority rights in the scheme of fundamental rights.

Dr Aisha Imtiaz explained minority specific policies and called out for the appointment of Special Officers for religious minorities like in the case for linguistic minorities.

Prof Asmer Beg extended the vote of thanks.