Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says Muslim population to match Indonesia post‑Census; Parsi numbers at 52‑55 k

<p><strong>Union Minister Kiren Rijiju</strong> addressed the media on <strong>9 May 2026</strong>, stating that the forthcoming <span class="key-term" data-definition="Census — a decennial exercise to enumerate the population, providing data for resource allocation, political representation and policy formulation (GS1: Polity)">Census</span> will likely show India’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Muslim population — the second‑largest religious community in India, whose demographic trends are closely examined for social and political implications (GS2: Polity)">Muslim population</span> on par with that of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Indonesia — the world’s fourth‑largest Muslim‑majority nation, often used as a comparative benchmark for demographic studies (GS2: Polity)">Indonesia</span>. He also highlighted the dwindling numbers of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Parsi community — a small Zoroastrian minority in India, currently numbering around 52,000‑55,000, whose decline raises concerns about cultural preservation (GS4: Ethics)">Parsi community</span> and dismissed claims of minority persecution.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Rijiju projected that the post‑Census data will place India’s Muslim share close to Indonesia’s, reflecting growth since the last <span class="key-term" data-definition="Census (2011) — the most recent population count completed before the postponed 2021 exercise (GS1: Polity)">Census (2011)</span>.</li> <li>The Parsi population is estimated at <strong>52,000‑55,000</strong>, making them the smallest minority group.</li> <li>The Minister refuted narratives of minority threat, attributing them to political groups seeking to create fear among <span class="key-term" data-definition="Muslims — followers of Islam, forming a significant minority in India (GS2: Polity)">Muslims</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Christians — followers of Christianity, another major minority in India (GS2: Polity)">Christians</span>.</li> <li>The BJP’s victory in <span class="key-term" data-definition="West Bengal — a strategically sensitive state sharing a porous border with Bangladesh, a focal point for illegal migration concerns (GS2: Polity)">West Bengal</span> is portrayed as a security win, promising stricter action on <span class="key-term" data-definition="illegal migration — unauthorized cross‑border movement of people, a contentious issue in Indian politics and security (GS2: Polity)">illegal migration</span>.</li> <li>Rijiju criticized the previous state government for not implementing central schemes such as the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National e‑Vidhan Application — a digital platform for legislative processes, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency (GS3: Governance)">National e‑Vidhan Application</span>, and assured its rollout under the new administration.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>• The 2021 Census was postponed, leaving a 15‑year gap since the 2011 count.<br> • Current estimates suggest the Muslim share will be comparable to Indonesia’s ~230 million Muslims.<br> • Parsi numbers have fallen to roughly 52‑55 k, prompting government attention to preserve the community.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding demographic trends is crucial for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 1 (Society) questions on minority rights, population policy, and electoral politics. The role of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Minority Affairs — the Ministry handling welfare of religious minorities, reflecting the government's approach to communal harmony (GS2: Polity)">Minority Affairs</span> ministry illustrates how the executive addresses communal concerns. The BJP’s strategic win in West Bengal ties into security and migration debates, relevant for GS 2 (International Relations) and GS 4 (Ethics). The push for the <span class="key-term" data-definition="National e‑Vidhan Application — a technology‑driven initiative to digitise legislative work, showcasing governance reforms (GS3: Governance)">National e‑Vidhan Application</span> reflects ongoing e‑governance reforms.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>• Await the official post‑Census figures to gauge the exact demographic shift.<br> • Monitor policy measures aimed at protecting the Parsi community, including possible incentives for community growth.<br> • Track implementation of central schemes in West Bengal, especially digital legislative tools, to assess the impact of the new state government on governance and security.<br> • Observe political discourse on minority rights and illegal migration, as they shape future legislative and administrative actions.</p>