By Tarique Anwar, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: The Institute of Human Development and Social Science Research organized a daylong workshop on 26th July here on 20-line survey conducted to know the backwardness of Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) in Bihar.
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has conducted the 20-line survey in MCDs across the country to improve economic and social status of minorities. In total 90 districts across the country have been recognised as MCDs. The districts of Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga and West Champaran of Bihar have been included in the list.
During the survey, eight indicators including employment, literacy, pucca houses, electricity and health were fixed to measure the backwardness of minorities in these districts, and on its basis the government has planned to remove their backwardness.
Expressing his views on this occasion, Shahid Ali Khan, minister for Science and technology and minister for minority affairs (additional charge), government of Bihar, said that the method of survey is not satisfactory. It seems that the survey has been done in a closed room. Assessment of actual condition is not possible without visiting minority concentrated districts, meeting with local leaders, discussing with district administration and scholars, he said.
He further said that knowledge of backwardness of Muslims cannot be possible in 30-35 days and by visiting 30 villages. The survey report should be prepared again, he suggested. The report, which has been prepared in two months, is very far away from reality, Khan said. District collectors and public representatives have also supported this argument of Mr Khan that the surveyors have ignored them and prepared report as per their wish.
Shahid Ali Khan, explaining shortcomings of the report, said that water contamination of Kishanganj, Araria and neighbouring districts is well known. Educational and economic backwardness of these districts is also not hidden. But on contrary the survey report says the water available here is best for health. The educational census of Sitamadhi district is wrong. The report says 28969 Muslim students are enrolled in high schools which is not true, the minister challenged.
Showing his disappointment Khan said that 50 technical institutes are selected for students of minority community in which National College of Engineering (NIT), previously known as Bihar College of Engineering, has come in part of Bihar in which only 14 Muslim students read. If such reports and surveys continued to be done then development of minorities is not possible, said Shahid Ali Khan.
He said that the centre has accepted 5000 application forms for matric scholarship schemes but has sanctioned amount for only 1540 applicants.
Welcoming officers of ministry of minority affairs in workshop Shahid Ali Khan said that it is wrong to compare minorities of Bihar with other states. Educational and economic status of minorities of the state is extremely pitiable with respect to other states of the country, the minister added.
Addressing the workshop Naushad Ahmad, Chairman of Bihar State Minority Welfare Commission, said that the central government has selected 7 districts of Bihar among 90 MCDs though 8-9 more districts of the state should be included in this list. Drawing attention of central government officers on page number 23 of the report he said that the report shows condition of electricity and housing of minority community is better than majority community which is far from reality.
Congratulating the state minority welfare department Maulana Anisur Rahman Quasmi, general secretary, Imarat Shariah (Bihar, Jharkhand & Orissa) said that due to its effort this debate is being conducted on 20-line survey with open heart. Proposing his 8-point advice he rejected the 20-line survey report saying that it is incomplete and does not give true picture of minorities. The problems of minorities cannot be solved on the basis of this report.
He suggested state minority welfare department to conduct a fresh survey by Muslims of the said districts and publish all schemes meant for minorities in all leading Urdu and Hindi newspapers.
Famous scholar and director Khuda Baksh Oriental Library, Dr Imteyaz Ahmad, emphasized on self employment instead of priority given to infrastructure. He stressed specially to pay special attention on the condition of women.
Acting president, Prime Minister’s 15-point programme, Md Sharif Quraishi, said that the preparation of report without consultation of local NGOs and leaders and district administration is misguiding and ineffective.
Firaque Ahmad, district magistrate, Kishanganj, said this report is completely wrong. As for education and drinking water, Kishanganj is lagging behind other districts but this has not been highlighted in the report. Other DMs and DDCs also express their views on the report.
Joint Secretary Ministry for Minority Affairs, government of India, Mr Ameising Luikham, Member Secretary, Indian Council for Social Science and Research, Professor TCA Anand and Director, Institute of Human Development, Professor Alakh Narayan Sharma participated in this workshop and represented the central government.
From state government Dr Quamar Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic Persian University, Azfar Shamsi, Vice Chairman, 15-point programme, Father Peter and Guru Charan Singh of Minority Welfare Department, Afzal Amanullah, principal secretary for home and minority affairs, District Magistrates or their DDCs on behalf of them from all 7 districts, Zahid Rahman of Madrasa Teachers Association, Maulana Sanaullah of Idara Shariah also took part in this workshop.