By Naazia Khan
There is no denying the fact that, in 60 years of our Independence of India some progress across many socio-economic sectors has been made trough macro-economic and political processes. However, it is not hard see that, much of the task that Nehru had identified on the eve of Independence of India remains largely unaccomplished. Muslims, the largest minority of India, officially constitute 13.4% of the total population or 138 million people as per the 2001 census, are lagging behind in terms of most of the Human Development Indicators. The fact is that, most of promises made in the Constitution and political parties are yet to be realized. There are so many evidences to prove the same. Gopal Singh commission, Sachar Committee and NFHS –III survey reports are to name a few.
Published by: Social Service Wing, Jamate Islami-e-Hind
Distributor: MMI Publisher, D-307, Dawat Nagar, Abul Fazl Enc, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-25
Price: 100/- rupees
Pages: 203, First edition- May 2008
Reviewed by: Naazia Khan
There is a lack of even adequate primary education among Muslims, which is acting as a hurdle in the development process. Another problem they face is the scarcity of not only economic but also trained human resources. The socio-economic and educational backwardness is forming a vicious circle in their lives as they are reflective of each other.
The upliftment of Indian Muslims has become a major issue of debate ever since Sachar Committee submitted its report on the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in India in November 2006, within both of the circles- Government as well as Community itself.
To uplift the Minorities especially Muslims, one of the best way could be through dissemination of information about possible ways of empowerment and its procedure as well.The book under review is a modest effort in this regard. As the very name suggests, it is a guide, aimed at providing information to the change-makers and other development professionals to enhance their skills and to work in a more focused, structured and systematic manner. The book, divided into seven chapters, starts with a gist of socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in India has been also presented in the introduction. Following chapters detailed with information about how to make or register an NGO, how to run it and how monetary aids can be obtained. Besides, it contains information about NGO’s formation, minorities’ schemes, general schemes and the schemes which are offered by international agencies. One of the chapters of this book has the details about a range of schemes of government granted for minorities and some other general schemes which minorities can take benefits. A list of national and international funding agencies and the priorities they have while sanctioning funds, is also included which makes it a complete guide in itself.
As the chapters of this book comprehensively cover various aspects required for the upliftment of Minorities from Formation of an NGO, Management of an NGO, General Norms of Government Schemes to Exclusive Schemes for Minorities, it is able to fulfil one of its prime idea to make populace aware for whom government issues various schemes and grants. In a special section, information about International Muslim Funding agencies like IDB and Muslim Aid, etc along with the procedure of obtaining grant or aid have be explained in detail.
This can be used not only as a guide but also a reference material must for libraries, social activists and community leaders as well as head of Muslim institutions. Grass-root activists can hardly afford to miss it, especially those who are working for the empowerment of minorities in general and Muslims in particular.