SYNOPSIS

TITLE OF THE PROJECT:

Problems of minorities in democracy.

INTRODUCTION:

The problems of minorities, who are relatively lesser in numerical strength than the
majority community, have been gaining too much importance in the politics of many nations in
the world. Both the developed and developing countries are also caught in the problems
associated with the minorities. In many third world nations, nowadays, racial tensions,
communal violence and ethnic clashes make headlines almost daily. For instance, the ethnic
conflict between the Buddhists and the Tamils is still going on in Sri Lanka, which has put a
major obstacle in the way of economic development of that country. India, which is known as a
peace-loving nation, is also not spared by the problems of minorities. India is a multi-religious
country and her society is pluralistic in nature from the religious and other points of view. Since
a very long time, people belonging to various religious communities have been living together in
this country. Not only major religious communities are spread all over the country, but the
people belonging to all religious communities reside in each village and town in the country.
Religious minority groups in India are chiefly the Muslims, the Christians, the Sikhs, the Jains
and the Buddhists, who have been able to preserve their group identities and have also stayed
in the mainstream of national politics. The Muslims in India constitute the largest religious
minority in the country. Though a minority in its numerical strength, it is as big as to make it the
second biggest Muslim population in the world, next to Indonesia. The Muslims constituted 13.4
per cent of the Indian population according to the 2001 census, and form an important segment
in the social fabric of the country. But economically, Muslims are the most backward community
with the lowest employment rate. With such backward economic status, there was hardly any
incentive for a modern secular education.

RESEARCH QUESTION:

1. Whether it is important that minority rights should be in democracy?

2. Whether it is important to protect minority rights in a democracy?

LITERATURE REVIEW:

The book “The Minority Rights Revolution” written by John D Skrentny is useful in
writing the various minority revolutions that had been taken place in democracy and which had
led to the formation of new laws which promoted the social conditions of minorities. This book
majorly sites the wake of Black Civil Rights movement, and other disadvantaged groups of
Americans and such as Latinos, Asians, Americans and disabled found themselves the
beneficiaries of new laws and policies by the early 1970’s in America.
 I have cited my project material from the website Colorado.edu, this website is found
useful. They have clear view regarding the topic and various subjects involved in the topic. This
website has been referred by the various university professors.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

The objective of the study deals with the problems that have been faced by the minority
groups in the democratic countries like India, Malaysia, Philippines etc. I would like to tell my
view majorly in the countries like India which the minorities has faced the problems.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

It is a Doctrinal type of study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY:

I would like to implement some of my ideas in the topic which would help to promote in
the social status in the society of minority groups and I would like to tell major problems that
have faced by minorities. Some of them are lack of educational facilities entry into the schools or
educational institutions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

By the new laws and policies that are implemented by the Government and their agencies
promotes or signifies their states in the society.
CHAPTERISATION:

1. What are minority groups

2. Minority communities in India
A. Religious Minority
B. Linguistic Minority
3. Six Basic Characteristics of Minority Groups
i) Physical and Cultural Traits
ii) Unequal Treatment
iii) Ascribed Status
iv) Solidarity
v) In-group Marriage
vi) Subordination
4. Three Main Problems faced by Minorities In India
a) Problem of Identity
b) Problem of Security
c) Problem Relating to Equity
5. How does the Indian Constitution protect minority rights
6. What kinds of obstacles do minorities face in higher education
7. Educational rights of minorities: a constitutional perspective

MASALEGAR HIDAYATHULLA
ROLL NUMBER: 17LLB048
SECTION: A