Statement by India under Agenda Item: 3 in the Interactive Dialogue

with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues during

43rd Session of the Human Rights Council ( 24 February – 20 March 2020), delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 11 March 2020)

Mr. Vice President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues for the presentation of his report. We appreciate the Practical Guide for the implementation of language rights for linguistic minorities while noting the recommendation related to defining the concept of a minority. India adequately fulfils all rights for minorities, including linguistic and educational rights.

2. Educational rights and use of minority language in education by minorities in India have already been enshrined in the Constitution of India under Articles 29, 30, 350 A and 350 B. In accordance with these provisions, any sectіon of cіtіzens resіdіng іn the terrіtory of Indіa or any part thereof havіng a dіstіnct language, scrіpt or culture of іt’s own shall have the rіght to conserve the same. All mіnorіtіes, whether based on relіgіon or language, shall have the rіght to establіsh and admіnіster educatіonal іnstіtutіons of theіr own choіce, as well as the medium of instruction in these institutions.

3. The Ministry of Minority Affairs in the Government of India was established to improve the socio-economic conditions of minority communities and facilitate an equitable share for them in education, employment and economic activities. The Ministry ensures a more focused approach towards issues relating to the notified minority communities in India.  

4. Further, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the Government of India promotes Indian Sign Languages, focusing primarily on persons with disabilities.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

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