Date:28/10/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/10/28/stories/2003102802470400.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Quota sought for Muslims in Govt. jobs

From Our Staff Reporter

Hyderabad Oct. 27. The Jamiat Ulama, Andhra Pradesh, has launched a signature campaign demanding reservations for Muslims in Government jobs and educational institutions in proportion to their population. The Jamiat has targeted to collect five-lakh signatures from all over the State. Along with the signatures a memorandum would be presented to the Governor, Chief Minister and the Opposition leaders, said Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed, president, Jamiat Ulama, A.P.

He told presspersons here on Monday that it was also proposed to hold rallies and public meetings in Hyderabad in January. A similar representation with 25-lakh signatures was presented to the President in 1999, but there was no response. "We are now hopeful the Government will do something," Mr. Ahmed said.

He said the Karnataka and Kerala Governments had already provided 4 per cent reservation to Muslims in jobs. The State Government here could likewise provide reservations in proportion to population. At present the Muslims accounted for less than one percent in Government departments. Making promises on the eve of elections had become a routine practice but no party was serious in solving the problems facing the community.

Mr. Ahmed said the Telugu Desam Government was mistaken if it thought it had done its bit to Muslims by constructing a Haj House, repairing mosques and building compound walls to graveyards. This was something the community itself would attend to. The Government's job was to provide jobs and security to the life and property of the minorities.

He further demanded enforcement of law in the light of Supreme Court verdict providing higher compensation for loss of life and property during communal riots. He also demanded halt to the "baseless" propaganda against minority institutions.