Muslims in Telangana need financial assistance

Reservations to Muslim groups becomes talk of the town 

Hyderabad, March 29: Reservations to backward people among the Muslim social groups has been a hot topic in Telangana for past few years. In fact, this issue has been extensively discussed ever since the formation of Telangana in the backdrop of TRS government promising 12 per cent reservations to Muslims.

A Backward Classes Commission was also formed that toured the state documenting the socio-economic conditions of Muslims and their access to education and employment.

B C Commission is all set to submit its report to the government and it appears that it would recommend for at least 9 per cent reservations to the poor and backward Muslim sections in the state.

There are different social groups of Muslims in Telangana which include weavers, snake catchers, stone cutters, washermen and others. According to the observations of B C Commission members most of the Muslims are living under utter poverty and do not have basic minimum facilities in their localities.

The Commission has toured 31 districts for one week and tried to ascertain and understand the living conditions of Muslims in the state. The members were in shock to know the socio-economic conditions of the Muslims in the state.

The members have compiled their dossier based on their observations and suggested the government to provide reservations to the backward Muslim groups.

B C Commission members along with its chairman B S Ramulu are tight lipped about the conclusion of their report. A member agreed to talk to us on condition of anonymity.

He said that most of the backward Muslims do not even know the meaning of reservations and all. They need financial assistance rather than fan fare over the reservations and its legality in the constitution.

He said that the poverty among Muslims was beyond their expectations and government has to initiate a comprehensive plan to help the Muslims financially. He further said that reservations may not help Muslims much in the backdrop of current situation of Muslim groups in Telangana.

Another member also expressed the similar views and added that Muslims today need a helping hand and a compassionate push rather announcement of reservations. He however said that reservations would do a great magic in changing the life style and improving the standards of the poor Muslims in Telangana.

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