We are not in favour of reservation: Shia cleric

Underlining the need of adopting modern education for the uplift of minorities, noted Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq today said he was not in favour of reservation."Though we do not oppose, but we are not in favour of reservation. We are confident of our abilities," Maulana Sadiq, who is also vice-president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said here addressing a seminar organised by Aligarh Muslim University and Integral University.He said if minorities have to save their existence they must adopt modern education. "In the 21st century only those who adopt high level modern education will survive," he said. Maulana Sadiq said instead of making unnecessary expenditure on marriages and repeated Hajs, the money should be used in providing good education to needy future generation. Chairing the first session former scientist of NBRI Iktedar Hussain Farooqui said it was an era of excellence where people need to be best.He said separate education institutions should be set up for women. "Several countries, including France have higher education institutions for women. If we devoid women from education, we can not progress. Today, literacy rate of womenin the world is 30 per cent which is unfortunate," he said.Addressing the conference newly appointed vice-chancellor of Urdu University Anees Ansari said it is necessary to ensure good education at primary level as the coming generation was the future of the country.