Salman Khurshid reiterates govt's commitment to introduce Muslim quota

Sunday October 16, 2011 01:23:09 AM, ummid.com & Agencies

Lucknow: Union Minister of Law and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid reiterated Saturday the UPA governments' commitment to introduce reservation for Muslims. But to save the move from any controversy, he said, it will be done only after Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

"The United Progressive Alliance government has decided to give reservation to the minority community, and all legal aspects and every legal point are being looked into and studied before the proposal is finalised”, The Hindu quoted the minister as saying while addressing a national conference on the 150th death anniversary of freedom-fighter Allama Fazle Haq Khairabadi held at the Scientific Convention Centre in Lukcnow.

He however said that he had been advised by many to bring in the proposal after the assembly elections.

While denying that the move is linked to vote bank politics, he said. "The minority community should get an opportunity to progress."

He also said that his Ministry favoured the setting up of an Equal Opportunity Commission.

“The Muslims can be given reservation in jobs and education, but how can they be given reservation in housing schemes, which is why an Equal Opportunity Commission is needed,” he stated.

Salman Khusrshid's assertions about the Muslim quota is a repeat of his announcement in Hyderabad on September 18 in Hyderabad where he had said that the Centre was planning to introduce reservation for Muslims in educational institutions and employment on the lines of Andhra Pradesh government.

Demands for Muslim reservation in government jobs and other sectors have been intensified ever since Sachar Committee in its report noted that the Muslims in India are backward in all respects and also suggested giving them reservations.

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