By TCN Special Correspondent,
Azamgarh: A meeting to discuss the action taken on and the anomalies in the Reports of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission — the two important reports affecting Muslim minority of India — was discussed in the hall of Shibli Academy, Azamgarh on 6th Feb. The meeting was conducted by Ms. Subhshni Ali and Dr. Salman Sultan, Shibli National College presided.
In his opening remarks Dr. Salman Sultan, narrated an incident where a confused and terrified small school girl in the midst of traffic was safely guided by a traffic police constable. He compared the innocent girl as “minority” and the better placed Police personnel as “majority”. He further lamented the ill treatment meted out to Muslim youths working in Middle East on their return home and the importance of their contribution to national economy through remittance of foreign exchange without country’s investment on their education.
Mr. Nisar Ahmad, President Pasmanda Mahaz, described division of Muslim Society into three categories and endorsement of this fact by Sachar Committee. According to him Muslims are well educated and good in business but lack the political clout to influence country’s policy. He lamented that communal riots take place only in places where Muslims are well off: flourishing in business. He demanded inclusion of Muslims and Christians in article 341 of our constitution.
Dr. Prasanjeet Bose of JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) warned against division of Muslims in different categories and stated the fact that in spite of being 13.4%, Muslims are underrepresented in every section of society. He exhorted Muslims to fight for secularism and told them not to forget Ayodhya and Gujrat. He emphasized on joining the battle for a secular and democratic India instead of facilitating the formation of “Hindu Rashtra”. He said that only 35% Muslims live in chosen 90 districts and asked about the fate of 65% Muslim population. Backed by data he proved that out of Rs 100.00 only Rs 0.32 has been given to Minority Affairs Ministry. He said allocation of funds and resources is very important for implementation of the findings of these reports and suggested choosing “Blocks” instead of “Districts” as “Minority Population areas”.
Mr. Abdus Sattar, Minister, Minority Affairs, West Bengal, devoid of any sign of his important position (no gun toting security paraphernalia), termed the period from Hunter (1872) to Sachhar (2007) a “sad story” and warned that India cannot progress without 14 crore Muslims. He asked the gathering to ponder over the backwardness of Muslims and posed the question, “Are we getting the rights granted by our constitution?” “We must fight for our share of resources”, he told. Mr. Sattar presented a detailed account of the functioning of his ministry through facts and figures. He emphasized on a “Minority sub plan” and posed the question, “if there can be a sub plan for SC/ST then why not for minority?” He said that while 50 crore is being spent in the whole country W. Bengal spends 610 crore on Minority affairs. He also explained steps taken for ease of Bank loans e.g. one guarantee instead of two and W.B. govt. acting as a guaranteer in some cases. Introduction of Urdu medium in intermediate education and salary of Madarsa teachers compatible to contemporary educational institutions were the other points on which he enlightened the audience.
Ms. Subhashni Ali thanked the speakers and the audience and promised to invite the Minister again after six months.