Date:04/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/04/stories/2005080402100200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Section of Muslims left out of quota

Staff Reporter

Noor Bashas, included in BC `B' category, are denied benefits under BC `E'

VISAKHAPATNAM: Though the State Government has earmarked 5 per cent reservation for Muslims, a section of the community is denied inclusion in the BC `E' category.

Noor Bashas, known as `dudekulas', `pinjaras' and `laddafs' in various parts of Andhra Pradesh belong to an underprivileged section and generally eke out a living by fluffing cotton to make mattresses and pillows.

According to its leaders, Noor Bashas were included in the BC `B' (five) category in 1970. However, they were unable to derive much benefit because they have to contend with 99 other castes in the category.

Recommendation

The Visakhapatnam District Noorbasha Muslim Welfare Society has stated that during the visits of the Backward Classes Commission all over the State, the community leaders had represented the problem to them.

Its general secretary S.A. Ali told reporters here on Wednesday that the commission had, in its report, recommended their inclusion in the BC `E' category.

``However, in the GO issued by the Government the community does not figure,'' he said.

The decision had affected the Noor Basha population, Mr. Ali said and asked the Government to implement the recommendations of the BC Commission.

``To highlight our demand, a meeting has been planned by the State association at Ongole on Friday. Ministers K. Rosaiah and N. Raghuveera Reddy are expected to participate,'' he said.