IGP, Abdur Rahman talks about equal Muslim participants in the development process

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdur Rahman, currently posted as additional Commissioner of Police (administration) at Pune Police Commissionerate is the first Muslim IPS officer to have translated the union government’s Sachar Committee report to Hindi. His book Sachar Ki Sifarishein is a translation of the official document under the directions of the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who had appointed the High Power Committee to look into the socio-economic and educational situation of Muslims in India in 2005. The committee headed by Justice Rajinder Sachar presented its report in 2006. Since then, it has come to be recognized as the most comprehensive official document on the status on Muslims and has remained as the reference point for any informed discussion on the Muslim situation in India. Rahman speaks to Chaitraly Deshmukh

What is the reason for writing the book?
As per the Sachar committee the Indian Muslim condition is very poor and their social, economic and education condition is lower than the sub-caste and scheduled castes. The book is a Hindi translation of the English version of the Sachar Committee report wherein I have laid special emphasis on the writing of the entire report available in simple English to the citizens of the country.

What are the key features of your book ?
The book deals with issues related to waqf land (endowment), the current socio-economic condition of the muslim community in the country and makes a case for their participation in mainstream society. The book comprises tabular data in terms of graphs and pie charts on the exact participation of Muslims in different domains of society. The book is a complete diagnostic report of the Muslims in India where a layman can understand the prevailing conditions in which Muslims are living in the country, their social and economic stature and a roadmap for the future.

How has the response been from the society and  the government?
Four chief ministers of different states have shown interest in it and soon a second edition is coming in the market. I have got a very positive response as Initially there were many who complained that being a police officer it is not worth it, but now the response from the government is encouraging me. I just appeal to every youth to try government jobs as an option.

What steps are needed to bring the the community into the maintream society?
My book provides a complete insight into the situation of the Muslim community over the pre and post-Independence decades. What is significant is that issues pertaining to inclusiveness, access to opportunities and social justice were matters of concern for the colonial administration. The books suggests a series of remedial measures aimed at bringing about a change in the community and making the Muslims equal participants in the development of the nation.

What is the roadmap for the future?
‘Facts never go old, until they are either corrected or replaced with healthier facts or outcomes. This proves true for Sachar Committee Report and Ranganath Mishra Commission. This report has stirred the Muslim community and the attitude of  the government and attempts are being made to improve the condition of Muslims. Muslims need to adopt the idea of modern education in a big way and ensure that they compete in state and union public service examinations. Adoption of modern technology along with new ideas of development and integration with the society is bringing about one of the biggest generational transformation amongst the community.