News for 'Ministry of Minority Affairs'

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Crime against children records 9.2% rise in 2023: NCRB

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

The data compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau showed that the crime rate in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one-lakh child population, in comparison to 36.6 in 2022.

High drama at waqf bill JPC meet; Oppn MPs walk out

High drama at waqf bill JPC meet; Oppn MPs walk out

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

However, BJP members claimed that the opposition members were abusing the chairman of the committee Jagadambika Pal.

Govt limits pre-matric scholarship to class 9-10, hitting SC/ST/OBC, minorities

Govt limits pre-matric scholarship to class 9-10, hitting SC/ST/OBC, minorities

Rediff.com29 Nov 2022

Stating that RTE covers compulsory education up to class 8th for all students, the government has now limited its pre-matric scholarship scheme meant for backward and minority communities to students of class 9th and 10th.

India slams Bangladesh govt, condemns killing of Hindu leader

India slams Bangladesh govt, condemns killing of Hindu leader

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

India on Saturday condemned the alleged abduction and killing of a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh and called on the interim government in Dhaka to live up to its responsibility of protecting the minorities.

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

Rediff.com16 May 2025

As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act.

SC gives Centre 6 weeks for identifying minorities at state-level

SC gives Centre 6 weeks for identifying minorities at state-level

Rediff.com22 Nov 2022

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has held consultative meetings with all state governments, Union territories and other stakeholders on the issue of identification of minorities at the state level and 14 states have furnished their views so far.

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Court to hear plea claiming Shiv temple inside Ajmer dargah

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has ordered notices to be issued to three parties in a civil suit claiming the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The suit, filed in September, seeks directions to resume worship at the alleged temple. The court has issued notices to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The next hearing is scheduled for December 20.

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Yemen cancels death sentence of Kerala nurse, claims Grand Mufti

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

According to a statement issued by the Grand Mufti's office, the decision was made after a high-level meeting held in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, where it was decided to completely cancel the death sentence, which had been temporarily suspended earlier.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

This is the first conversation between Modi and Yunus after he assumed the responsibility following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Bangladesh claim on Modi-Yunus meet over Hasina issue kicks up a row

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has raised the issue of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok. However, Indian officials have denied that the extradition request was discussed. The meeting has sparked controversy with differing accounts of the discussions.

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

No Dhaka-Beijing-Islamabad alliance: Bangladesh on trilateral meet in China

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level, Hossain said, adding that there was no element of formation of any alliance.

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The irony of this country is that the party in Opposition and the party in power both depend on Muslims.'

Hindu leader abducted, killed in Bangladesh

Hindu leader abducted, killed in Bangladesh

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Body of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a resident of Basudebpur village of Dinajpur, about 330 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, was recovered on Thursday night, The Daily Star said quoting police and family members.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Waqf Act comes into force as SC set to hear pleas

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India will likely hear a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on April 15. The Act, which came into force on April 8, has been met with widespread criticism from various stakeholders, including politicians, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. They argue that the law is discriminatory and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The petitions allege that the amendments give the government more control over the administration of Waqf, effectively sidelining the Muslim minority from managing their own religious endowments.

Increase in hate speech against minorities in India concerning: US

Increase in hate speech against minorities in India concerning: US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

India has previously rejected the US state department's annual human rights report on the country, saying they continue to be based on "misinformation and flawed understanding".

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India last travelled to Bangladesh in 2014 when they played three ODIs.

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Rediff.com10 May 2022

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said in a matter like this an affidavit is filed that Centre and state both have powers.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Waqf Property Income Falls 99%

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

In FY24, the net income generated from Waqf properties fell to about Rs 1.26 crore from Rs 150 crore in FY20.

Naqvi, Singh bow out of Cabinet; ministries given to Irani, Scindia

Naqvi, Singh bow out of Cabinet; ministries given to Irani, Scindia

Rediff.com6 Jul 2022

During a cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Modi lauded both Naqvi and Singh for their contributions to the country during their ministerial tenure, sources said.

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the Centre's proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling for its recall. Chief Minister M K Stalin argued that the amendment interferes with religious affairs and would negatively impact the Muslim minority. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Assembly, with support from all parties, including the opposition AIADMK and PMK. The BJP, however, walked out in protest, accusing the ruling DMK of engaging in divisive politics. The bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure efficient management of Waqf properties but has been criticized for potentially encroaching on religious freedom and autonomy. The Tamil Nadu government claims that the amendment would lead to government control over the Waqf Board and its properties, impacting its autonomy and potentially allowing for government acquisition of Muslim-owned lands.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

If India attacks Pak, B'desh should occupy NE states: Yunus' aide

If India attacks Pak, B'desh should occupy NE states: Yunus' aide

Rediff.com2 May 2025

A former Bangladesh army officer and close aide of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has suggested that Dhaka should collaborate with China to occupy India's northeastern states if it attacks Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Bangladesh's interim government has distanced itself from the remarks made by Major General (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman on his social media account. Rahman's comments come amidst growing tensions between India and Bangladesh following Yunus' remarks in China about India's northeastern states being landlocked and needing Bangladesh's access to the ocean. These incidents have further strained relations between the two countries, with India withdrawing transhipment facilities granted to Bangladesh for exporting goods to the Middle East, Europe, and various other countries.

EU rep takes up communal violence, condition of minorities with govt

EU rep takes up communal violence, condition of minorities with govt

Rediff.com29 Apr 2022

EU special representative for human rights Eamon Gilmore said on Friday that in his meetings with the Indian government he has discussed issues such as the use of sedition and anti-terrorism laws, condition of minorities, communal violence and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

India ends transshipment pact with Bangladesh after Yunus remark

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Sri Lankan navy opens fire on Indian fishermen, 5 hurt

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Five Indian fishermen were injured, two seriously, in an incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy near Delft Island, prompting India to summon the acting high commissioner of Sri Lanka and lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen, with three others sustaining minor injuries. The Indian Consulate in Jaffna is providing assistance to the fishermen and their families.

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

The apex court perused the status report filed by the ministry of minority affairs which said meetings were held with the states on the issue.

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Full list: Modi's New Ministers And Their Portfolios

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Here is the complete list of ministers in Modi 3.0 and their portfolios:

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

Guv's report on Bengal riots hints at Art 356; says militancy grips state

Guv's report on Bengal riots hints at Art 356; says militancy grips state

Rediff.com4 May 2025

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs expressing concern over the recent riots in Murshidabad district and the threat of "radicalisation" and "militancy". The governor has suggested a series of measures, including the establishment of a commission of inquiry and the deployment of central forces in border districts, and has hinted at the possibility of President's rule under Article 356 if the situation deteriorates further. He has also criticized the state government's response to the violence, alleging a lack of coordination and a failure to prevent the escalation of the situation.

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Dhaka's certain measures....: India on ending transshipment pact with B'desh

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

India has withdrawn the transhipment facility it extended to Bangladesh for exports to third countries, citing congestion at ports and airports. The decision comes after Bangladesh's interim government halted yarn imports from India and closed three land ports. The move has raised concerns about a downturn in India-Bangladesh relations following political instability and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rediff.com18 May 2023

In a major cabinet reshuffle, Arjun Ram Meghwal has replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union law and justice minister, a communique from the President's Secretariat said on Thursday.

Identification of minorities: SC gives 6 weeks to Raj, T'gana, J-K for reply

Identification of minorities: SC gives 6 weeks to Raj, T'gana, J-K for reply

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

Additional solicitor general KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told a bench of Justices SK Kaul and A Amanullah that responses were still awaited from Rajasthan and Telanagana.

States can declare religious or linguistic community as minority: Centre

States can declare religious or linguistic community as minority: Centre

Rediff.com27 Mar 2022

Upadhyay, in his plea, challenged the validity of section 2(f) alleging that it gives unbridled power to the Centre terming it "manifestly arbitrary, irrational, and offending".

'Govt to examine if minorities benefiting from schemes'

'Govt to examine if minorities benefiting from schemes'

Rediff.com29 Oct 2012

The government will examine whether minorities are benefiting from various programmes being run for them, new Minority Affairs Minister K Rehman Khan said on Monday.

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Rediff.com8 Apr 2011

Government to launch a new system to ensure better transparency in the implementation of plans to uplift students from minority communities