Equality across varied social identities, economic conditions, political affiliations and cultural and other contexts is a hallmark of Indian democracy. Principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution of India have been strengthened by various legislative, executive and judicial measures. The laws are fully and consistently enforced to provide adequate protections for members of religious minorities in India.
India under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, prioritises, through a range of protective and affirmative measures, the attainment of liberty and development for all. In the spirit of leaving no one behind, India follows the motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (all together and development for all). India believes in taking everyone along.
India believes that inclusive and equitable development is the key to securing a life of dignity, security, empowerment and freedom for all. For this reason, India has socio-economic policies to address the various basic needs of people, including health, education, housing, poverty alleviation, women empowerment, food security, social security measures and the stakeholders; the beneficiaries are the part of good governance. These policies are for all citizens of India, irrespective of their caste, creed, race, sex and religion.
Recognising the importance of religious freedom for the safe and secure enjoyment of human rights and life with dignity for all, India remains committed to protecting its secular, multi-ethnic, multi-religious pluralistic character, and combating instances of religious intolerance, violence and discrimination.
The Government is duty bound to ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion. India views anti-conversion laws as Important safeguards against coercion and inducement to convert or reconvert from one religion to another in a multi religious society.
India recognises the centrality of free speech and expression to its constitutional order. At the same time, in order to protect the country’s pluralistic character, to promote social harmony, the law prohibits speech that has harmful social consequences.
The Government has undertaken a range of measures pertaining to minority education, skill development, access to credit and other affirmative action measures.
India does not tolerate any form of impunity for violence against minorities, women, children, marginalised communities and other vulnerable groups. The Central Government has issued certain guidelines on Communal Harmony to the State Governments which, provide for several administrative measures for effective prevention of communal disturbances, control of riots, and protection and relief to the affected persons. The National Crime Records Bureau reports indicate a decline in the number of communal and religious riots in the Country.
India is a home of almost all religions and secularism is the basic and fundamental tenet of the Indian Constitution, characterised by the religious tolerance, respect for all faiths and beliefs and equal treatment of all religious groups. The Constitution of India protects freedom of religion and conscience, and right of all individual to freely profess, practice and propagate religion, subject to consideration of public order, morality and health.
In a world where radicalisation, hate and extremism are dividing people, Inclusiveness and cultural diversity in the democracy can unite the world and its citizens. No country can progress without the inclusiveness and cultural diversity.
India has demonstrated its constitutional ethos both in India and at global diplomacy, more so during the official visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States. Both India and the United States recognises the common values of Democracy, Freedom and Economic Prosperity. India has constantly strived to build an ‘alliance of civilisations’ not set up a clash. India has always condemned anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Christian acts in the international forums such as United Nations.
The rhetoric and conspiracy against the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi must be demolished by the People of India. As a member state of the United Nations, India has committed to upholding its human rights obligations under ICERD, ICCPR, and other international human rights law treaties “in good faith.”
All the socio-economic policies of the incumbent Government reflect the constitutional values envisaged by the framers of the Indian constitution. Today, the poorest of the poor and most vulnerable are empowered. It is only the Narendra Modi Government which have fulfilled the vision of Antodaya by implementing all programmes and policies which ensures growth and development of all irrespective of religion, cast, creed etc.
The Government has implemented various welfare schemes for all including the minorities such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, etc.
Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi has said, that Democracy is in the DNA of India, it is in our spirit, blood and we live by it. We do not discriminate on any basis. There is no Democracy without Human Rights.
All conspiracies and rhetoric against the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi are unfounded and preposterous. Democratic values are part of the National Philosophy. These conspiracies and rhetoric may be allowed to die its natural death.
