Hyderabad: On the second day of public hearing, BCs Commission received encouraging response from various individual and organizations. They presented concrete evidence and arguments in support of reservations for Muslims. Most of them took a stand that BCs Commission can also recommend 9-12% reservations for Muslims as suggested by Sudhir Commission of Inquiry.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr. B.S. Ramulu, members, namely; Dr. V. Krishna Mohan Rao, Dr. Anjaneya Goud, Mr. Gouri Shanker and Member Secretary, Ms. G. D. Aruna, IAS heard the representations of the people. Mr. Ramulu assured the people that on the basis of economic backwardness, he would do justice to the Muslims without affecting the present reservation available for BCs. He also told that there would be no injustice to Muslims in making the representations.
Jamat-e-Islami led by its President, Mr. Hamid Mohammed Khan presented concrete arguments in support of reservations. The other organizations include Welfare Party of India, All India Muslim Think Tank, Telangana All Minorities and Workers Association, Lorry Workers’ Association, Telangana Minorities Secular Front, Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association, Indian Union Muslim League, BCs Muslim Association etc. Various professors, advocates and other minority leaders also made individual representations.
Reddy Jagruti Sangam and Veer Savarkar Yojana Sangam opposed giving reservations to Muslims. They contended that they are against reservations on the basis of religion. Another organization made a representation that it supports reservations for Muslims but the present reservations available to BCs should not be reduced. It also told that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had opposed reservations on the basis of religion.
It was argued that under Articles 15 (4) and 16(4) of Indian constitution, there is a provision for amendment. Various voluntary organization and ladies also made representations in large number.
Mr. Hamid Mohammed Khan, President of Jamat-e-Islami led a delegation which consisted of Mr. Abdul Basith Anwar, Mr. M.N. Baig Zahid, Mr. Mohammed Azharuddin and others. Mr. Abdul Jabbar Siddiqui of Welfare Party of India submitted a memorandum to BCs Commission and advised it to visit districts so that real situation of backwardness of the Muslims could be assessed. He further told that after independence and Police Action, the Muslims are facing continuous backwardness. Their representation in services is very less. Most of the Muslims are forced to lead their lives depending on petty business. He mentioned that there is lack of standard educational institutions of the Govt. So far, five various commissions were constituted. All of them admitted that for the past 60 years, the Muslims have become backward in all the fields.
Jamat-e-Islami leaders hoped that CM would fulfill his election promise. They told that there is a need for political will to implement reservations for Muslims. They hoped that CM would keep his promise.
Representatives from the districts also made representations. Public hearing will continue tomorrow and also the day after tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office of BCs Commission located at REEMAP building behind the office of Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Works.
Siasat Urdu Daily has also decided to make a representation for giving reservations to Muslims. Special arrangements have been made in the office of Siasat Urdu Daily wherein the affidavit is made available and the certification of Gazetted officer is also being provided. Members of the community and voluntary organizations may contact the office of Siasat Urdu Daily to obtain the questionnaire and other details. Representations could also be made online at the website http://reply2bc.in/.
–Siasat News