Suggesting that quotas for minorities are not the way forward as Constitution does not allow religion-based reservation, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla on Wednesday said that her ministry's approach is to work on skilling the youth.
"Affirmative action....First of all let me be very clear about. There is a Constitution in this country. And according to the Constitution we all have to work. According to the Constitution of India, there can't be a religion-based reservation. Because it gets stuck in court. Many states have tried but it didn't work," Heptulla said at an interaction. The Union Minister said that as per an estimate by March she would be able to have 10,000 people trained, who can find a job on their own or start their enterprise.
"How many jobs are available in the government? Very few. And how much reservation can govt give? There will be a limit," Heptulla said.
She said that even if a 5% reservation is given to a particular community, what would be the situation of the others who are not able to avail it. Heptulla, who was speaking at an interaction at the Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) said that in her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after taking charge, he had said that in 64 years the basic right of a citizen - roti, kapda, makaan and swacchta - the Muslims have not got. "I am working towards that," Heptulla said. She was repeatedly asked questions on comments made in recent past by members of the right wing.
The Minority Affairs minister said while it is not right to respond to every comment that is made but assured that the minorities had no reason to worry under the present government. Responding to question a on Modi's statement about a ten- year moratorium on divisive issues, she said he would not have said it from the rampart of the Red Fort if he did not mean it.
She said her party's manifesto talks about creating a tranquil atmosphere, adding that it is the responsibility of the Home Ministry to ensure safety and security.
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