(a) whether it is a fact that the population of some of the minority communities is declining in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact .that concerned with the dwindling population of some minority
communities, the Government has submitted a proposal to the Planning Commission in this regard;
(d) if so, the details of the proposal; and
(e) the current status of said proposal?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a)and (b) Yes, Madam. The population of Parsi community has declined from 76,382 in 1991 to 69,000
in 2001 as per Census population data.
(c)to (e) Yes, Madam. In-principle approval of Planning Commission on the proposed scheme for containing
population decline of small minority community was sought. The scheme envisaged, inter-alia, providing
financial assistance for infertility treatment including medicines to infertile young Parsi couples and
for screening of female child for detection of disease that result in infertility. The Planning Commission
has presently not found justification for granting in-principle approval to the proposed scheme.