The term minorities imply the religions minorities that include the Muslims, the Christians and the Zoroastrians. After the linguistic reorganization of the states, every state has some linguistic minorities. For example, the Gujarati are linguistic minority in Maharashtra. 

The Indian Constitution has made the following provisions for the welfare and development of religious and linguistic minorities:

• The Preamble declares India as a secular state, implying that there is no official religion of the state. It also promises social justice, equality of status and equality of opportunities to all citizens.
• Right to equality in the Articles 14 to 18 further elaborates that the state shall not discriminate in the matter of public employment and access to public places between the citizens on the basis of religion, caste, race, language, gender or place of birth. It also provide protection of law to every citizen.
• The right to freedom of religion in Article 24 enables the persons belonging to minorities to profess and practise their religion, establish institutions and collect funds for their religious activities.
• No religious instructions can be imparted in the education institutions that receive financial help (grants) from the state.
• Article 29 provides educational and cultural rights to religious, linguistic and cultural minorities to preserve their language, script and culture.
• Article 30 provides them the right to establish ‘minority’ educational institutions.
• Right to education provides right to free and compulsory education to children in the age group of 6 to 14 years.
• The Constitution has set up the National Minorities Commission to protect the interests and rights as well as to look after the welfare and development of minorities.