India witnessed 5% rise in minority population since independence, shows level of protection to such communities: NCM chief

New Delhi, Mar 29 (PTI) India has witnessed a five per cent increase in minority population since independence which shows the level of protection, the country has provided to such communities, National Commission for Minorities chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks at the annual conference of the state minorities commissions at the Ambedkar International Centre here.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla said, "In order to fulfil the mandate of our Constitution of welfare of minorities, we have institutions like the Ministry of Minority Affairs and National Commission for Minorities, working day and night." "We have a crucial role in fulfilling the government's vision of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.' As minorities, our role is to put in efforts for nation's development, that is 'Prayas'," he said.