By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Thrivanthapuram: A Kerala government panel has recommended formation of a separate department to handle issues related to socio-economic development of the Muslim community in the state.
The panel led by state minister Paloli Mohammad has also recommended abolition of recruitment of casual employees and directing all temporary recruitments through employment exchange.
The 11-member committee, constituted by the state government to study the possibilities of the implementation of Rajinder Sachar Committee recommendations, has submitted its findings to Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan.
The committee has urged the government to regulate quota system in private sector also.
For the improvement of the educational status of the Muslim community, the report suggested 15 steps that include starting of new colleges and schools and a reservation for Muslims in aided educational institutions.
Setting up a Muslim Development Corporation and establishment of an Arabic university and more government schools in Muslim majority areas are also included in the state panel recommendations. A Muslim community development corporation has been sought on the line of the Backward Classes Development Corporation. The report will be tabled in the assembly and will be finalised after further discussions, said the Chief Minister.
The Paloli Mohammad panel has suggested setting up of an office of the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs in all districts to look into issues affecting the Muslim community. After submitting the recommendations, the minister told reporters that the committee formed in October 2007 held sittings in all districts during the past four months and looked into 5,000 proposals submitted by 400 Muslim organisations.