The declining numbers of the Parsi community in India has been a major concern, leading to the initiation of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme. Launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the scheme aims to arrest the declining trend of the Parsi population. It seeks to achieve this goal through the implementation of a scientific protocol and structured interventions. The objective isn’t just to stabilize their numbers, but also increase the population of Parsis in India.
Three-Tier Approach of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme
The Jiyo Parsi scheme is divided into three components. The first is the Advocacy Component, which involves organizing workshops, advertisement campaigns, and similar initiatives to create awareness about the cause and the scheme. The second component, Health of the Community, addresses the wellbeing of the community through Childcare and Creche support, assistance to the elderly, among others. The third and final aspect, the Medical Component, revolves around financial help for detecting and treating infertility and related fertility treatments. Moreover, the scheme provides cash assistance to encourage Parsi couples to bear children. Notably, the scheme is accessible to all couples, regardless of their financial status.
Rising Birth Rates in the Parsi Community
Owing to the implementation of this scheme, there has been a noticeable rise in birth rates within the Parsi community. Over the last five years, there have been 214 births resulting from assisted reproductive techniques (ART). This is a striking result of this 100% Central Sector Scheme.
Parsi Community and Zoroastrianism
The Parsi community follows Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions founded by Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran around the 6th-7th century. Zoroastrians believe in the singular God, Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord), who they believe created the world. Their sacred text is known as the Avesta while their communal place of worship is a Fire Temple or Agiary.
More about Parsis: Keeping the Flame Alive
Parsis are not fire-worshippers per se but regard the elements as pure. They believe that fire represents God’s light or wisdom. The community celebrate Nowruz (also spelled as Navroz) on March 21, which marks the Iranian New Year. Known to have arrived in Gujarat region of India after being exiled from Iran in the 7th century AD, Zoroastrians are split into two groups – the Iranians and the Parsis.
| Year | Parsi Population |
|---|---|
| 1941 | 114,000 |
| 2011 | 57,264 |
Declining Population and Future of the Parsi Community
The population of Parsis has steeply declined from about 114,000 in 1941 to only 57,264 in 2011, according to the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. While India’s overall population more than tripled over 60 years, the number of Parsis reduced by almost 50% as per Census 2011. Maharashtra houses the highest Parsi population in the country, closely followed by Gujarat. This rapid decline in the population is attributed to several reasons, primarily infertility and late marriages. As per a foundation report, around 30% of the Parsi population has never been married.
Minority Status of Zoroastrians (Parsis) in India
Zoroastrians, better known as Parsis in India, are among the six religious communities notified as minority communities by the Union Government, alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024