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Tejveer Singh, Bureau Chief May10:

In a recent working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), startling revelations regarding the shifting demographics of India have come to light. The paper titled ‘Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)’ highlights a significant decline in the share of Hindus in the country’s total population over the past decades, while the Muslim population has experienced a considerable increase.According to the study led by Shamika Ravi, member of EAC-PM, the Hindu population’s share has decreased by 7.82% from 1950 to 2015, dropping from 84.68% to 78.06%. In contrast, the Muslim population’s share surged by 43.15% during the same period, rising from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015.The report also shed light on the changing dynamics among other religious communities. The share of Jains witnessed a decline from 0.45% in 1950 to 0.36% in 2015, while Christians experienced a modest increase from 2.24% to 2.36% over the same period. The Sikh population saw a rise from 1.24% to 1.85%, indicating a 6.58% increase in their share.However, the most striking revelation was the dramatic 85% decline in the Parsi population, plummeting from 0.03% share in 1950 to a mere 0.004% in 2015.The EAC-PM report emphasizes the societal importance of nurturing diversity, suggesting that a decrease in the majority population’s share and a simultaneous increase in minorities indicate a conducive environment for fostering diversity within India.The study also places India within a global context, noting that while the majority religious denominations are increasing in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, India stands out with a declining majority share. This trend aligns with broader international patterns where countries are becoming more heterogeneous over time.The paper underscores the significance of the year 1950 as a baseline year, coinciding with the emergence of international human rights frameworks emphasizing minority rights and state responsibilities.

Overall, the findings of the EAC-PM paper bring attention to the evolving religious landscape of India and its implications for fostering inclusivity and diversity in the country.

The report emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity in society, attributing the demographic changes to a conducive environment that supports minority growth. It also places India within a global context, noting contrasting trends in neighboring countries where majority shares are on the rise.

Overall, the findings of the EAC-PM paper highlight the evolving religious dynamics in India and the imperative of promoting inclusivity amidst changing demographics.