Muslims in India and the Process of Development

Abstract

India is known worldwide for its religious, cultural, lingual and geographical diversity. It is second most populous state in the world. It has achieved remarkable success in several spheres and its economic growth and development, particularly during the last two decades has been significant. Currently it is recognized as the second fastest growing economy of the world following China. This paper aims to discuss the problem of development deficit with regard to the largest religious minority group namely Muslims in India. Though historically Indian Muslims have accomplishments and glory to their credit, they now stand at a disadvantageous position in all spheres of development viz a viz social, economic, educational and political. They are found to be lagging behind other religious groups. Muslims face multiple disadvantages and in the present context doubts are being raised more vociferously on their loyalty to the nation. Large number of communal riots since independence have not only made them suffer economically but has also instilled a sense of insecurity and fear among them resulting in their ghettoisation and relegation to the margins. Their educational, economic and social backwardness is further accentuated by the threats to their distinct religious and cultural identity. The process of development since independence which was initially through planned economic development based on the trickledown approach and subsequently under the structural adjustment programme has resulted in the marginalization of the weaker sections of which Muslims constitutes a significant part.