Christians in North–East States may lose minority status

Christians in North eastern states of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland might lose their minority status due to the projected 103rd amendment to the Constitution, if it is passed at all. And Hindus in those states will be the new minorities because numerically Christians are the majority in those states.

The 103rd Constitutional Amendment seeks to have state–wise minority status rather than national status. Minorities in states will be decided through a presidential notification with the state government.

According to the report of the National Commission for Minority Education, the amendment approved by the Union Cabinet is to be brought in the monsoon session of the Parliament next month.

Surprisingly, Hindus in the North East Christian states are likely to be treated and allowed to enjoy the minority status.

National Commission for Minority Education says the amendment will make Christian students from Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland ineligible for admission in Christian colleges like St Stephen’s in Delhi and others. Christian–run institutions in Kerala too will lose their minority tag.

Commission Chairperson, MMA Siddique has written to the HRD Minister Arjun Singh and Minority Affairs Minister A.R. Antulay stating that the articles 25 to 30 guarantee protection of religious, cultural and educational rights to both majority and minority communities.

"The cabinet decision if made law would take away minority status from the Christian community in Goa, Kerala, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram, seriously compromising activities in education," said Dr John Dayal, General Secretary, All India Christian Council, who is also a member of India Government National Minority Commission.

The All India Catholic Union, the All India Christian Council and the United Christian Action strongly disapprove the decision of the Center and decided to go with a national consultation in co–operation with major organizations of other religious minorities.