Minoritism
Topic: Secularism: Western and Indian Models · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Secularism"
Meaning
Minoritism is the charge that Indian secularism gives minorities special privileges. NCERT (Class 11, Secularism) rejects it. Minority rights protect the core interests of minorities, and majority voting must not be allowed to override them. These rights, such as the right under Art. 30 to set up and run their own schools and colleges, give equal respect, not extra favours.
Example
NCERT gives two examples. In a train, a passenger with asthma cannot have their health put to a vote by the others; some core interests need firm protection. A ramp for wheelchair users does not give them a privilege; it lets them enter a building like everyone else.
Don't confuse with
- Minority appeasement: a type of vote-bank politics that puts one group's interests above the equality of all citizens. Minoritism is the charge that the constitutional rights of minorities are themselves unfair privileges.