Though a state government-appointed committee has suggested quotas for Muslims, Other Backward Caste (OBC) organisations from the community have opposed the move to grant reservations to Muslims on religious grounds.
They say this may lead to backward Muslims being elbowed out by their affluent counterparts.
At present, around 29 classes from the Muslim community are given reservations under the OBC category and a similar number seeking inclusion.
The report of a seven-member committee, headed by retired IAS officer Dr Mehmood-ur-Rehman, has recommended reservations for Muslims in government and private sector jobs and in housing projects.
Shabbir Ansari of the All-India Muslim OBC Organisation opposed any plan for quotas on religious grounds and pointed out that this would be detrimental for backward Muslims. He said such moves were part of vote-bank politics.
“To provide reservations on the basis of religion is unconstitutional,” charged Ansari.
Ansari said OBCs, who form around 90% of the community, were engaged in traditional occupations like bagwans (gardeners), nais (barbers), ansaris and momins (weavers), khatiks (butchers) and tambolis (betel leaf cultivators).
“If reservations on religious grounds are introduced, OBC Muslims will get nothing. Their hands will remain empty,” said Ansari, adding that if the decision was taken, quotas and benefits would be cornered by the affluent Ashraf section.
“Reservations and benefits must be given to backward Muslims only and not to all Muslims. We oppose any such plan,” said Ansari.
“The government is cheating the community. While the government appointed the Rehman committee for Muslims, it did not give it any facilities or even an office,” said Ansari. He rued that the Muslim OBCs are facing trouble in getting caste certificates from the government.
The making of a community
OBCs form around 90% of Muslims. They were engaged in traditional occupations like bagwans (gardeners), nais (barbers), ansaris and momins (weavers) and khatiks (butchers).
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