PTA         THE BOMBAY SAMACHAR
18/04/2010 AND 02/05/2010

NATIONAL MINORITY COMMISSION REPORT ON THE PARSIS : SOME STARTLING FINDINGS

Despite the perceived general economic affluence of the community, there are reasons to believe that Parsis are a heterogeneous community in terms of their socio-economic status. The WPR (Work Participation Rate) of the community is the lowest among all religious minorities barring only Muslims. The growing dependency ratio, which is a fallout of the skewed demographic profile, has restricted the proportion of economically active population in the community. Poverty in the community may not be conspicuous due to the support extended by the Trusts / institutions. Provision of shelter at nominal rent has been one of the major help provided by such institutions. Hence, Parsi poor may not be visible on the streets or even in slums. However, certain sections of the community are economically disadvantaged and live on very low subsistence support.

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