(a) the number of proposals from various castes and communities lying pending with the Government to accord minority status;
(b) the names of such castes and communities and the time since when their proposals/demands are lying pending with the Government; and
(c) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken on such proposals/demands?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)
(a) and (b): The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in their Annual Report 1998- 1999 had made a reference to the issue of settling minority status for Jains in India.
(c) The matter of giving minority status to Jains is presently under review of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and hence no time frame can be given at this stage.