Finding a home to rent in India's national capital is an arduous task for anyone - but, an investigation by The Hindu has found, almost impossible for citizens who happen to be Muslim. Homeowners and property dealers contacted by reporters often firmed up deals, only to be disqualified as soon as they revealed their religion.
Housing apartheid was at its worst in New Delhi’s most affluent and educated neighbourhoods: New Friends Colony, Vasant Kunj, Jangpura and Rohini. By contrast, in areas such as Mukherjee Nagar, Karol Bagh, Janakpuri and Ashok Vihar the responses were mixed.
In one case, a property agent representing a homeowner in New Friends Colony flatly told The Hindu's reporters, “The landlords want only Indians, not Muslims.”
Told that the applicant was an Indian, the reporter was told not to push matters further. “Another Muslim,” said Radha of Gulshan properties in New Friends Colony, “wanted to take the flat on rent but he was also refused by the owners. Even though it suits your budget and needs, there is no point in showing you the flat. The flat has been vacant for a long time but they will not give it to a Muslim.”
Deepak Sharma of Balaji Properties in Rohini Sector-8, contacted by The Hindu's reporters, who posed as a young Muslim married couple, said that residents of mainly-Hindu Rohini “avoid renting their flats to Muslims here. I am sorry but you will not be able to get a house in this locality.” Ironically enough, Mr. Sharma’s office proudly displayed a photograph bearing icons of all religions, in perfect harmony.
For single women, things are even worse. When a reporter posed as a single mother looking for a house in West Delhi’s Janakpuri, an agent of Sharma properties was initially sympathetic. “You don’t have a husband?” said a property dealer, adding in a conciliatory tone “Ok, come tomorrow and I will find you a house.”
This changed as soon as she revealed that she is a Muslim who eats non-vegetarian food. “It could get a little difficult then,” he said, “I will call you back after speaking to the owner.”
By contrast, there were considerable options for a female student looking for accommodation in Delhi’s North Campus with brokers even looking out for the safety of their clients. “There is an option for a one-bedroom apartment but it won’t suit a girl since the entry is from the back of the house,” property dealer Varun Kumar said. Men looking for accommodation in the area say that single girls are preferred as tenants since they can be reined in with threats of complaints to their parents.
Property dealers seemed to operate an informal network of religious segregation, often pointing The Hindu's reporters to supposedly Muslim-appropriate neighbourhoods. More often that not, they were told to look for houses in the fringes of posh colonies. Property dealers in Rohini suggested Rithala, one in Jangpura proposed Bhogal, famous for its Kashmiri population and Afghanistani refugees, a broker in New Friends Colony suggested Sukhdeo Vihar and Jasola both of which are close to another Muslim ‘ghetto’ Jamia Nagar, and one in Vasant Kunj suggested Munirka and Kishangadh.
Neighbourhoods like these appear to be emerging as enclaves for the growing Muslim middle class in Delhi, which despite its education and economic achievements is denied access to neighbourhoods preferred by Hindus from similar backgrounds.
On the travails of finding a house, Prof. Rizwan Qaisar, an academician at Jamia Millia Islamia, said while looking for a house in Saket and Munirka DDA Flats he came across instances where his name mattered a lot. “Every thing was fine till I revealed my name. After facing ‘no’ from several property dealers, I had to finally shift to Noor Nagar in Jamia Nagar.” “Several social groups face discrimination in housing but for Muslims the edge is sharper,” Mr. Qaisar said.
Senior lawyer Ashok Agarwal said a solution to the problem does not lie in the legal sphere. “First of all, practically it is very difficult to prove the existence of this malaise,” he said, adding, “the government cannot regulate private housing.”
Elsewhere in the region, countries have taken concerted action to end similar housing apartheid. Singapore, for example, introduced a system of mandatory quotas in public housing to better integrate its once-polarised ethnic-Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.
Interestingly, one property dealer said, Dalits sometimes faced similar problems — but managed to avoid them since their names often did not immediately disclose their caste. “Dalits face some problems when the owner is typically a practicing upper caste Hindu or Jain,” the dealer said. Not every neighbourhood is exclusionary — perhaps a sign of hope that change is possible in the city. There are those who are honest about not caring where in the world one comes from.
Keywords: Sunday Story, Delhi accommodation, Delhi housing, Delhi house on rent, Muslims housing, social discrimination, Indian cities housing, Delhi real estate, Muslims accommodation
Thank you for highlighting this issue.It is unbelievable that such aparthied exists in Delhi. I did my MD in pediatrics in one of the famous colleges of Delhi. As a muslim, I did not face any descrimination during my postgraduation in Delhi. I found that delits are more descriminated than muslims. My case may be an exception. I earnestly request the Hindu leaders to come openly against this aparteid and make muslims ans hindues stay as neighbours and make India a strong secular nation.
Thank you for highlighting this very important issue....my house
hunting episode 8 months ago in delhi wasnt a very pleasant one.. I am
from the north east and having recently moved to the capital from
bangalore , realized that harsh realities of life hits you in many
forms...i am not surely what that elderly gentleman really meant but
when i went to ask about a flat , he mumbled "we dont let you to
foreigners"....I am not surely whether he meant literally meant
"foreigners" or was it just a term he used (for lack of a better word) to mean "non-north indians"
Ever since then I sub-consciously have had to think twice before approaching any dealer or so for merely trying to avoid such unpleasantness...
Utter rubbish. the fact of the matter is that peace loving Muslims
like us have been caught in the crossfire between hardened Muslims and
other religious groups. I no longer blame them for not mixing with us.
The Hindu religious history is populated by exterminations of their
sub religious groups and is written in blood. While Indian muslims
like myself bear no resemblance to the Mongols and foreign Muslims, it
is foolhardy to expect anyone differentiate on such grounds,
especially when we don't with respect to them. In the 26/11, all non-
muslims were targeted.
As a educated modern Muslim, I have based my life in differentiating
myself from the hardened Muslims. This has led to me and my family
leading a peaceful life. My children are free to go to temples and
participate in festivals. While this has led me near-ostracism from my
community leaders, it has also led to wide acceptance of my children
from Hindus, Parsis in my colony. My children are growing up happily.
They often....they often spend time in the homes of their Hindu friends. They are secure and cherish the friendships. My wife comes from a humble background, and she has made friends with many women here, who see us as one of them. Our friend circle includes Hindu hardliners, who, as we have learned are not against people like us. They treat us as they would treat other friends.
This is not only the scenario of national capital,in all metro cities this is happening.In gujarat,some builders are even not selling apartments to muslims.Some readers commented that muslims need to prove their innocense,how can a muslim prove his innocense,can anyone explain.It is fact that some persons who have a muslim name or identity had been involved in terrorist activities in our country,but that does not mean all muslims are of that type.In recent past there was persons named as hindu and working with RSS were arrested in connection with some of the major bomb blasts in our country,did anyone demand hindu's should prove their innocense? No,that is not adivisabe.Some readers saying it is because of their foodstyle.It is totally false.In my personal experience,my friend got a house and i didn't get in an area,because of this reason.I took a house in other area,nowdays we used to visit each other and i found that he used to cook Non-veg also,his ownor have no problem.
Okay, I have read two articles today on almost similar topic. I am a pure vegetarian Brahmin, who do not go to restaurants that server both veg as well as non-veg food items. However, I still go to food joints such as subway, McDonald's who serve both veg and non-veg food. So, if I am avoiding any veg+non-veg restaurant doesn't mean that I am creating discrimination or bias. I have all the right to choose eating place of my choice. Same is the case with house owners, if they "pure vegetarian" tenants it doesn't say they are saying "No" to Muslims. They have their preferences to give it to vegetarian people only, be it Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Bengali, Kannada, it just doesn't matter.
If I have invested my lifetime savings in purchasing/building a house/flat and I want only veg people to occupy it, what is the big deal????
Was it a mere coincidence about the articles on the housing problems for Muslims published yesterday and the same day airing of "Satyameva jayathe" on discrimination against dalits?It is simply to criticise the majority.
I smell a rat.
First of all it is sad that hindu came with a story with half baked
truth.
I as a house owner will rent my house to vegetarian since i have been
brought up to be sensitive to all animals. There is nothing wrong on
it.
How can you call it as prejudice? Society consists of people with
different opinions. one set of people cannot label other set of people
having prejudice since they have different opinion.
People of certain religion who are quoting western practices or
criticizing my preference will have to answer that whether he will be
renting his house to a tenant who will cook pork in their house?
If no, is it not a prejudice?
This kind of articles causes lot of troubles than any
benefits to the socity. There are lot of other important things we can discuss about India
instead of these religious things. These kind of problems are very common in a area where
lot of same religion lives, either Jammu and Kashmir or Varanasi .
I feel i need to share my personal exp with the readers,as we are from Hyderabad,our building owner is Muslim,he never used give rent to any Muslim family to their house,as they complain they are don't keep house
clean and after few month they stop giving rent and occupy the house and
even they fight legally against the owner,they shared few experiences of
their family members,who earned their hard money in gulf and build the
homes,so what kind of discrimination is this,even I am unable to recommend my Muslim friend to them.I can neither say its bias nor prerogative owners,majority will suffer for the few wrong doings of minority either it may a caste or religion.
Unlike India, Singapore is a "Government Owned" country.
85% of land in Singapore is owned by the Government, and over the same percentage of population live in the apartnents built on HDB (Housing Development Board) owned land.
In India too, we have Colonies in Government Owned lands. However, they are exclusively meant for Dalits in villages, and for Low Income Groups in Urban Areas.
Most lands in India are private owned.
Hence, we can't hope for the so-called Anti-Apartheid Legislation in India in the near future.
India is predominantly a "Rights based" society wherein, the duty ends up playing secondary role.
Whereas, the likes of Singapore are "Duty Bound" Societies where both landlords, and the tenants can aspire for fair treatment.
Bold article! Thanks for bringing out the ugly part of the society which
often gets swept under the carpet. Shame on the ppl arguing against the
article. It just only goes to show how ingrained the prejudices are
irrespective of education. Its just very sad.
My Father is a government employee(engineer at Western Railways)still he had to face this harsh reality when he was searching for a house on rent in Ujjain(M.P)in 1994(terrorism was not a problem in 1994).Still the house owners backed out of the deal when my father told them his name. What harm could a Government employee with small kids could do to a house owner (or anybody else)??His only crime was that he is a Muslim. Recently too my school going brother face the same problem when he was search for a accommodation in Indore (M.P).I too faced this problem when i(along with my friends-who were studying at VJTI,Mumbai) was searching for a flat in Mumbai.You know what the brokers used to ask us- "we have some flats for you, but we hope there is no Muslim among you 4 people".We too have a flat in our ancestral city... We give our flat to any educated good family that comes to inquire,we don't ask their religion because we know well how bad it feels when religion becomes the criteria.
In Unites States (and as far as I know in most countries of the West),
discrimination because of race, religion, color, age, gender, national
origin, and disability in renting or selling of real estate is illegal
and subject to jail and/or heavy fines on the real estate owners. So in
USA, there is no discrimination in renting or selling of real estate.
The contents of this article are, sadly, very true. We are living in a so called modern society where we choose to call ourselves modern but are still stuck in the traditional sense of the world.
The apartheid doesn't just stop here it eases out when affected people end up paying higher rents. Wonder what happens when the landlords see the higher moolah!
A good extension to this article would be the rent market in Mumbai and getting a house for the unmarried in that city.
There is nothing wrong in the practice of not giving certain people your house on rent. It is not discriminating on the basis of religion or anything else, but simply the normal human tendency to look for likeness. As a landlord, I would like to give my house out to a tenant who is similar to me in terms of lifestyle, if not for anything else because birds of a feather flock together - for a reason - the comfort factor.
If I were a pure vegetarian, I would not let my home out to any non-vegetarian, let him be a Hindu too. Similarly, if I were of a particular type (read conservative, non-alcoholic, etc), I would not let my home out to an extrovert, party-going drinking type.
So really, this is much ado about nothing. Just normal human behaviour, nothing racist, religious, etc about it, though those underpinnings might impact on my bias as to which 'bird' is of my 'feather'.
I consider myself pretty secular and have many Muslim friends - but let my home to a Muslim? Maybe not.
I will not rent my home to anybody who will cook or eat beef . I am
protected by property laws which are simply our fundamental rights. Any
quota in property renting will nullify the fundamental rights and the
constitution itself. Just because Singapore does it doesn't mean we
should follow the suit.We are not going to eat grass because somebody
else does.
I am really shocked to learned this thing in india, people like me think that india is moving forward and making progress but it seems like progress is limited to one group of people or just one community. It is aslo disappointing us who live across the border nad we think all ills are with Pkaistan and india has chnage a lot but it is same thing both countries have been created by British imperial system and not have been behaving differently.
I think the article is ill-researched.
When I first arrived to Chennai,I stayed in a mansion along with my friends. When we were looking for houses,we faced different problems. One landlord said he wont rent for non-tamilians because according to him northies drink and party a lot.
One of them was a muslim and said he will allow only for muslim family
One of them said he wont allow non-vegetarians and in case they do want to come in,they shouldnt cook non-veg at home...
Of course,one of them did say that none of my roommates must be muslims even in future.
This issue is present everywhere and not confined to a single religion.I once happened to read a Pakistani guys comment in a public forum.He wrote that muslims were marginalised in India,and even quoted that Shabana Azmi and Emraan Hashmi couldnt get a flat in Mumbai. Your article is just giving fodder to the divisive forces to recruit disillusioned muslim youth in the name of marginalization and discrimination.
Quite a few readers have come out with the theory that Muslims are excluded because of the terror threat. As far as I remember, the word "Islamic Terrorism" became popular in India only after 1993. I have seen Muslims being refused a house on rent as far back as the early eighties. People from the lower castes were also routinely steered away. So much so that I had colleagues from the lower castes staying in slums in places where they could easily afford independent houses. People have many justifications for all this - justifications come cheap - ranging from food habits to culture, when the reason is basically not being one of us. Not all Muslims eat beef and quite a few Hindus do. Not all Muslims are criminals and quite a few Hindus are. I suggest taking a look at the list of people caught for espionage and even the list of accused in the Bombay blasts cases. Crime and treason are quite secular. Let us not try to defend the undefendable.
Even if it is true such news must not be given out to encourage and ignite the slow flame of racial feeling.Rather giving small reference of such fact media must publish articles to enhance amity.
I wonder how Hindu makes such mistakes?!
It's time we bring some good legal practices followed in other countries when it comes to renting out. The owner and tenant need to get into a contract, and any tenant who can get into the contract should have the right to rent the house.
Biasing on the basis of religion is ridiculous and should be severely condemned. It violates the core principles of democracy.
We all know tons of Hindus who eat beef in the western world, and many children of vegetarian households eating non-vegetarian. It's extremely immature to mix vegetarianism and cow-eating and religion. And again, I fail to understand how a tenant eating beef in his rented apartment causes sacrilege to the owners' vegetarianism? I don't remember the Bhagavat Gita saying so.
Interesting article. Let us be honest, bias exists against muslims in the Indian society, whatever be the reasons (deserving or undeserving). On the same footing, may be to a little lesser extent, exist caste based bias, in housing, at work place, etc. Unfortunately, the article simply points to the issue; it doesn't try to constructively discuss it from a mature society's perspective.
it is good to highlight the discriminations minorities are facing, but it will better not to highlight the normal day to day behavior of people which can further raise the level of discrimination , tention , castism and conflicts.our society is conservative ,landlords even deny rooms on rent to bachelors .the cause is not cast but it is security,lack of lion order and impartial judiciary, want of social happiness and peacefull future with cultural stability
The comments on this article reveal more about the educated Indian mind-
set than the article itself. Its a matter of shame.
The views held by the majority of the comments here reveal the causes underlying the pervasive discrimination of every ilk in India. Rather than responding after some reflection, most commenters seem quite comfortable in repeating false and outright offensive cliches about Muslims. Freedom of expression should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility, which is sadly lacking.
I don't understand why Muslims want to live in such colonies where
they are not welcomed.We don't need to change ourselves for a mere
house on rent.The best thing of living in so called ghettos is the
security,if the ghetto is populated,the anti-social elements will not
dare to attack during communal riots.And in festival, you will have
people of your belief to share the joy. Everyone should live at the
place where is self-respect and dignity is not hurt and I suspect such
place you will always have to face the segregation because of your
religion. Have some self-respect and avoid looking for a house at such places.
I always laugh the prejudices of the Indians towards one and another in
their homeland. Really people, especially the ones who are defending the
above quoted practice when your people come here to the west, they don't
assimilate, their clothes smell of curry, weird social habits etc and if
the westerners were prejudicial as you guys none of the Indians will
have a chance here. Now I am waiting for someone to insult me and
educate me on the heritage of India.
Its a national shame to see this 'apartheid' is spread like a viral outbreak throughout India. Some readers here have opined that what if the case is reversal. There is no question of roles reversal here, being Muslims live in extreme poor areas and few own any properties, be it a big metropolis or a small town. Economically and educationally they are deprived and alienated. The more we discard them, the more the hurt it is for our nation's pride and growth. The hatred spewed by many here towards Muslims is regrettable and shocking.Even a slightest form of protest by Muslims is projected in a negative manner and media demonises it. Further , Indian movies project Muslims as terrorists only, thereby painting our country as a racist. When the Gujjar community can raise their right of protest by burning trains and destroying public property, no body asks them! Similarly political outfits for any reason to protest agains their opponents destroy public property and create havoc in daily life. Why no body asks them? Is it being they are Hindus then?
There has been a recent report in the Hindu Newspaper on the hundreds of Muslim youth languishing in the jails at Maharashtra without any chargesheet. On contrary dreaded criminals and Maoists are let loose at the whims and fancies of their organisations. Is it being Hindus then? Are the readers and thousands of those who have their heart filled with venom, blinded on these facts? The possibilities for a Muslim, to get a house for rent or own at good localities in any city across India, if even he is well educated, in a high income group is remote. Its the caste factor here. Muslims, Schedule Communities continue to suffer this shameful system of social outcast, even after so many decades of Independence.
If the readers are trying to justify this many citing a few actions of other Muslims, that's a trivial excuse. Forget about Muslims here, for that matter. I have seen in the North India, landlords dont let their house for tenancy to people from south India. They dont care whether he is a Muslim or Hindu here!! The same pattern prevails even in Chennai, where the Rajasthani community dominates the areas of Vepery, Kilpauk, Sowcarpet etc.. Even the local Hindus are not allowed to reside as a tenant beside those communities. The irony here is that, there is not a single place where the Rajasthani community has not left their imprint across Tamil Nadu. When the money lender gives the loan, he doesnt see who the borrower is! And most of the people who borrow are either Muslims or Schedule Community. Where is the principle here then. Why they dont see veg or non veg here? The air we breathe is same and provisions we buy are from the same earth. I really wish and dream for that day to arrive in India, where this racism will vanish.
Hindus wouldn't give their house on rent to any person who cooks beef in
the Kitchen whether it is a Hindu or a Muslim or a Christian. Your
article would only serve to push Muslims further into isolation. This
article would give more impetus to frustrated muslim youth who are
inclined to join terror groups. Even Lashkar and ISI would quote from
your article and use it as an excuse for further bomb blasts
Editor, Religious communities plays a crucial role in constructing a so called religious ghettoes and colonies based on identity.The names of colonies stand as indicators of vested interests.The colours safron or green turns as a symbol to generate fear.Most of the media adds fuel to fire by promoting the news of 'Muslim phobia'and terrorism.constitutional rights to live is being questioned.The nationalism based on culture is emerging.Nothing more can expect from a frustated society which lost'social common sense'
Hindu deserves full credit for an excellent way of exposing the general mind set even by our elite in our capital. Perhaps the same is true in all our big and famous famous cities too. Prior to our independence our leaders went abroad and fought for eradication of apartheid and now we (after decades of independence) are practicing it at home unashamedly! We should implement the good policies of Singapore where people of different faiths live happily together. Hindu, please keep up the good work.
In an ideal world it is not right to have segregation. But in India
home has an emotional attachment to their owner and it is their
prerogative to rent it according to their wishes. In the name of
secularism let us not deny owners their basic right. Even in western countries, natives don't prefer to give their house to Indians and even if they give on rent invariably deduct advance saying they need to clean apartment because of curry smell.
It is a pity that our contry like INDIA heading towards religious intolorance. It is very bad for our country. Take example of Dr abdul kalam's vison for our india, I am requesting our hindu brothers to read his books.Government should take severe action agains those who is doing to our muslim community.This our beloved country. First of all we route out corruption from our society, and the government has to check legality of those landlords who refuse let muslim communities 'How they own the land, by paying all legal fees to the Government or just bribe the officials to acquire the land'.
Thanks to hindu for raising such difficult question which forces us to introspect what we have become any gives us a chance to recitfy our mistakes. There should be no shame in accepting the mistakes.
While going through the response to the article we will get the reason behind this divide.(unfortunately our names reveal the religion we follow aptly pointed out in the article). Both communinities have raised valid points which we might not able to accept on a public platform but deep inside we know that exist. But actually what is happening in this thread we are giving this examples as a defense.
I would say we are making some effort to accept the differences to comminities have if we can see the reason given by Hindus in article by some muslim or vice-versa. Then we can say that we are liberated bunch of people who are mature enough to accept the diffrences.
I Really hope that we become secular for ourselve not for others. Charity begins at home!!!
A landlord is within his rights to exercise discretion, especially if he
is living in the same society.The main reason appears to be of security
or insecurity and this scenario is like oxygen for those who can only
live by inhaling hatred.
While I was reading the article before I got to the readers comments I was sure I would read the comments '' cow eating , terrorism , Kashmiri pundits''.
The least I expected from Hindu readers was to give it a thought how to get out of this prejudice against a community. If readers of Hindu who I believe are little bit better on IQ compared to other news papers would condemn instead of condoning it.
I fear the future of our country and muslims we are in an environment resembling like Germany before Hitler went Slaughtering 4 million Jews by segregating, cornering and making it so normal for others to hate Jews.
Not in any way I am saying Muslims are saints and victims , they themselves are to blame for the situation. A country with 14% or 30% muslims (depending on who you speak) its not good to isolate them by painting the whole community with same brush.
Dear readers , lets think beyond the religion and poisonous environment. For a minute lets be Humans
If you want to know the reason, ask the British, Germans, dutch or
Australians; what 50 years of political correctness has led them to.
Muslims are the greatest champions of secularism when they are in a
minority. See around for yourselves from Maldives to Malaysia, Egypt to
Pakistan. The world has seen through their facade, of their love-me-
love-my-dog effrontery.
You only have to see the comments for this article to see why such discrimination
continues to exist. The majority in this country has simply not signed up for ideas
and ideals like pluralism and secularism. Indians are narrowly parochial in nature and
that is not going to change that easily.
. Meat is nutritious and rich in complete protein
Non-vegetarian food is a good source of excellent protein. It contains
biologically complete protein i.e. all the 8 essential amino acid that
are not synthesized by the body and should be supplied in the diet.
Meat also contains iron, vitamin B1 and niacin.
Human beings can digest both vege-tarian and non-vegetarian food
The digestive system of herbivorous animals can digest only
vegetables. The digestive system of carnivorous animals can digest
only meat. But the digestive system of humans can digest both
vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. If Almighty God wanted us to have
only vegetables then why did He give us a digestive system that can
digest both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food?
This should not happen. However it happens even with other communities. Non-vegetarians may find difficulty in getting accomodation in ceratin areas. However, Muslims are owners of large real estates and properties. It will be easier for them to handle this.
Apartheid was a policy of the South African state that practiced
segregation on racial basis.But that is not the case in New
Delhi/India as the state does not discriminate on the basis of
race/ethnicity/caste. So the word apartheid is not appropriate here.
The article has a narrow focus and does not address the question
whether Hindus also get discriminated in the hands on non-Hindus. Why
is that some localities have come to be known as muslim localities and
how easy it is for Hindus/Christians to buy homes there/get one on
rent. Do Sikhs and Jains also face this problem in Delhi. A broader
exercise is needed and this article may be politically correct and
otherwise it creates a stereotype based on alleged stereotypes
This is terrible. It shows a lack of humanity. Religious discrimination helps no one apart from power elites within the religious communities . This should be illegal and if not legislation should be promulgated by the National government swiftly.
India prides itself rightly on its cultural diversity but work needs to be done in abolishing religious, racial and caste discrimination. Social mobility should be encouraged.
I want to remark that indian Society even in national Capital of posh colonies and various ghettos seem to be marked by regional and caste and sectarian attachments.For instance Hindus from South india seeking accommodation unless very highly placed face discrimination because of their lack of hindustani or urdu, likewise outsiders from Bengal have to cluster around only in Chittaranjan park area where they seem to be billeted.
Poor Muslims and Women and weaker segments of Dalits are stigmatised every where where middle classes try to be truly exclusive.
The late arrivals like Meghalaya or Mizo students are also abused as chinkis and often fleeced by Money Sharks among Property Dealers, in the university areas. We are as yet not an Open Society-Barriers disfigure our Metros , too.
Don't try to convince that Chennai is far better. I could still see "To
Let Only Brahmins" in the streets of Chennai. We still don't have open
mindedness people in the country. I don't really understand what
difference we do have. We eat meat openly while you guys wont admit it
but does everything like us.
This exercise has produced only expected results and has been covered in the press earlier. The reporters should have tried posing as Christians to see if they also suffer similar discrimination. Also, they should have tried hiring out a house in a Muslim locality with a Hindu name. Such a wider scope of investigation would have presented a broader picture.
My experience says that the reason behind this attitude has to do with people's eating habit
and not their religious disposition. Thus we should avoid giving this behavior a communal
flavor.
Thanks and Respect to THE HINDU, who do meaningful journalism where
all other journalist are busy following a superstar's weight, due to
which we get to know the real issues of Muslims in India. some time
ago THE HINDU highlighted the same apartheid in Mumbai. Just last
month my sister move to Delhi to prepare for her MDS entrance exam.
Luckily she found a good place to live in Shipra Sun City. But the
Landlady had a strange request that my sister should remove her
Abaya(Burqa)and "be like everyone else"! My sister naturally did not
give it up. I wish there was a way we could complain against this
apartheid.
Very good jounalism. Since The Hindu has rightly identified a pattern,
The Hindu should also talk about why tax-paying middle class families
are scared of Muslims. If my memory serves right, the recent catch from
Saudi Arabia named Abu Hamza - an Indian Mulsim is alleged to have
perpetrated the 26/11 attacks. Indian Muslims need to clearly state
their intentions vis-a-vis Indians from other religions.
This is one of the signs of victory for the saffron parties. Not only Delhi, throughout the India the same "Hate Culture" is being spread by their venomous speeches, phamplets and other media. Thus creating fear about Muslims. One of the top agenda of " Sangh Parivar" is to isolate muslims by propagating false information about them.
What the secular Government will do about it ?
Malegaon and Hyderabad blasts prove that sangh parivar can do it by "false identification". The total idea is "India without Muslims".
Dear Editor,
A good article. Can you do a similar writeup on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Housing discrimination on the basis of religion is prevalent for decades
and there is little chance of its end in near future. What about Hindus
seeking rent in house owned by Muslim? The unwritten rule is that Hindus
normally do not search for rent in Muslim home and vice-verse.
You've done justice to media ethics, though everyone is aware of
such a reality prevailing not just in our National capital but
almost in all Metros.Ironically, even the elite, educated
neighborhood is no exception to this stigma.A native of Chennai for
generations,educated and holding a top management position in a big
corporate company has lesser chance of getting an apartment on rent
compared to his illiterate peer from north,with no clue of his
business or professional background.I am not exaggerating things
here but recording maters of fact. We simply can't blame our
politicians for this situation but each and everyone of us are and
need to retrospect our actions and the implication it has created in
our society today.
I would like to appreciate "The Hindu"for highlighting such social
discrimination and expect other media groups to do justice to their
profession. Probably, this can be the first step to eradicate this
menace posing threat to our cordial social fabric.
This is real, not just in India but in most countries. There are two
things here. First, People deny housing because they are mostly scared
of any potential problems later on. Terrorism and Islam cannot be
separated at this point. Even the most liberal Muslims even shy away
from condemning terrorism on the name of Islam. Quota in government
jobs, quota in public schools, quota in land allocation and quota in
everything. When is it gonna end and how much quota do Hindus have in
Pakistan or Bangladesh?. Second, within India, its open news that
Christian and Muslim institutions hire their teachers and doctors,
select their students and staff and treat their patients based solely
on religion. Hindus are always at the discriminating end. Which
newspaper in India had highlighted this fact and fought against it?
Why are Hindus treated as second class citizens in the only country
they have left in the world? Will India be the same when
Muslims/Christians become the majority?Don't think so pal.
The problem with muslims is, they are too much religious. They prefer to
have close ties with their religious people compare to other religions.
Crime rates are in high in muslim dominated areas. For them, Mulsims in
neigbouring country is more important than hindus in India.
I guess The Hindu reporters didn't pursue to get the exact reason why
landowners were not willing to rent their houses to a muslim person.
There might be some landowners who are pure vegetarian and expect the
same from their tenant and in case of a muslim person, it is very
difficult to find. Some landowners might be displaced from Pakistan
during independence period and they will be having very bitter memories
of this community and they surely will not give their houses to a
muslim. Some might be of the view that most of the terrorist in this
world are from muslim community and hence they will not prefer to rent
their house to a muslim person. There can be many more reasons for
that. It would have been a much better article if author would have
also tried to find out the reasons for this kind of thinking of
landowners.
I congratulate THE HINDU for revealing the woes of Muslims to buy or search house for rent. Such incidents and behaviour of non muslims towards muslims are really embarassing and a hit to secularistic and democratic India.It also pained me that govt cannot intervene into this problem... Only the thinking and mutual understanding between people could solve this problem. putting away muslims just because they are meat-eaters marks even food habits too can mark prejudice against them...
WHY? That's the question to be answered without any bias.
While this is most unfortunate and regrettable, it is the same experience for all communities. Only the number of cases may vary, depending on the demographics of an area. I faced the same problem in Hyderabad when I tried to purchase an apartment on the Anand Nagar Colony main road of Khairatabad in 2006. The builder politely refused to entertain me even though I approached him at the beginning of the venture. So the unfortunate reality is that people have lost trust. The important question is why. The simple answer is, when people lose faith in their governments and state machinery, they devise their own alternative systems of protection, just like they approached the underworld for help in Mumbai to trace kidnap victims. Blame our leaders who have brought the country to such a state, not the people.
Since many of the muslims unknown had brought security problems to india
and also owners of the rented house dragged to police, it is natural
that people are afraid of letting the house to muslims. It is for the
muslims to prove that they are not connected with terror activities
This story is ill researched and lacks a critical approach in
analyzing the problem so it shows that the reporter and the
researchers were driven by prejudices. It's not because of religion
that Hindu house owners do not rent their house to Muslims but it's
the'COW' eating habit of Muslims that pose a problem for them to find
a home.
There are many practices in Muslim communities which are considered to
be anti-religious in Hindu communities.
The whole problem lie in eating practices and lifestyle of a Muslim
for a Hindu.
Now that's what I call responsible journalism.We need to mull over - are
we really secular?
only muslims are responsible for this kind of situation. All terrorists
in the world today are muslims however silent majority of muslims are
the sufferer. Muslims, particularly the intellectuals and academicians
should stand clear against religious extremists and mullas. Ironically,
nobody in the muslim community except a few, dare to speak against such
dangerous ideology of their religion. end result is the all kind of separation from the main stream.
If people are avoiding to let house for Muslim, definitely there
should be some reason, why article doesn't say anything about it.
We have seen so many terrorist attacks through out the world & most
of the terrorist organization are associated with Islam / Muslim
community. It's a matter of trust, people are afraid & want to avoid
all legal pains when they come to know your close muslim neighbour is
associated with terrorist organization or any other criminal
activities compared to other communities either directly or
indirectly.
It is easy to blame, to be honest, problem for muslims are created by
their own brotherhood.
Unless and until, all citizens irrespective of religion has same
laws, people will have discrimination & it will continue.
Please do not seeds of division and hatred by publishing such articles. Pandits are not able to live in Kashmir, or Muslims are occupying places in Thanjavur district once occupied by others. Such things happen naturally, and it is not with respect to one religion, if you want to show neutrality please also publsih articles where the trend is opposite.
Before the hindu spends hours doing sting operation and writing issue on Housing apartheid,the Hindu should write an article on how can a landlord evict a tenant in India - whether it is due to default rent payment or any other reason?You make a complaint to cops then he asks whether tenant is which castes? If minority,we can't intervene. If he is a cousin of politician we can't intervene? With so much of floating population in cities,does India has any system of creditcheck or criminal background check like in USA?Does cops involve impartially on house eviction requests? In a famous city in Kerala,a political party is still occupying a house as its party office despite court orders. Another case,I have heard my friend going to CM's office to issue an order so that cops can evict his tenant who is a party supporter.I am not against any castes/religion or food habits.As long as,the eviction system doesn't change,a houseowner has a right to rent his/her house based on any conditions.
Sad. It is a shame to see how educated India is living two faces when it comes to
living at par with the society and its various elements.
I think, the issue is a personal matter as to whom the flat owner prefers as a tenant. I 0
know, some of the housing societies enroll only vegetarians as members. However,
the report is a revelation about problems being faced by minorities to get flats on
rent in Delhi and NCR. There should not be any issue in purchasing flats from Delhi
Development Authority, Ghaziabad Development Authority, Haryana Development
Authority or from private builders. The "Hindu" report may prompt the government
to reserve quotas for minorities to begin with in allotment of flats, thereafter slowly
extending to SC, ST and OBC as well.
This is a very biased story. There is a lot of differentiation on the basis of eating habits - veg vs non-veg. Many house-owners do not prefer to let out to non-veg either because the house-owners are veg or they are apprehensive that non-veg cooking will spoil the house. The reporter is under a very wrong impression that only muslims are non-veg and the rest are veg.
Please ensure that your paper is secular and you do not try to widen the communal divide. Be a responsible newspaper.
Ideally, there should not be any discrimination on the basis of religion. However, it is better to accept the reality that yes indeed the Muslim tenants find it difficult to rent a flat. We need to find out why is this happening. How many are ready to go deep and find our factors which are essentially prejudices? Landlord’s attitude can be: why take ‘risk’? Better play safe and avoid confrontation with neighbours and relatives for renting a flat to a Muslim family.
An honest appreciation of the factors which create the stumbling blocks is absent and hence we continue to complain of discrimination against Muslims and cannot find even a partial solution. Introspection on the part of all sections of the society is required to end the discrimination against Muslims.
Why didnt you also point out the reverse, a hindu or from any other religion wouldn't get a flat or room in a Muslim house?
There are many reasons for this discrimination. One of the reasons for the alienation of Muslims is home-grown terrorism and terror modules in India. The attitude of the majority community towards Muslims have changed after every bomb blast in major cities in India. The moderate, decent and progressive Muslims have been caught in this web of discrimination.
This is not single matter that muslims of India faciing They are getting bitter experience evry where, only minority of them are in tererrism such groups are in hindu communities also eg:shreeram sena and bujregdel But only muslims are treated as terrerist thy are denaying life supporting conditions and justice.
During my five years in Delhi, I stayed in Vasant Kunj, Dwarka and
Safdarjung Enclave. For good or bad I didn't experience much of a
difficulty (at least not one that can't be surmounted by a 10% higher
rent- being a bachelor was another drawback). What I found
sadistically consoling, that it was not only me facing this but my
Sikh and Dalit friends were also struggling. In one case even a
Brahmin friend was denied a flat because the owner (a Raajpoot by
caste) didn't like Brahmins. Truly, on average the discrimination
against Muslims in housing is much higher but at the individual level
it's the general belief (not just among landlords) that being in a
position of power one can discriminate as there is no risk of penalty
or there is even pride given the social sanction for discrimination
in Hindu upper caste societies. On laws to stop Housing
discrimination, the Reasonable Accommodation Act under the Fair
Housing Act of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is
worth seeing.
This is not a Hindu or Muslim issue. This is failure of government policy of rent control and not building enough housing units for people. Root cause is failed economic policy of last 60 years. Jawaharlal Nehru chose a path of controlled growth and monopolistic development in 50s. This resulted in Government getting into business and loosing site of governance. This path is still continuing and results in blaming each other.
That such an undercurrent has existed for years without any legal
solution only points to the fact that unless pushed, polity is
toothless in India, so far as ensuring equality goes. Of course, a few
dozen self-immolations could be all it needs to ignite the spark in the
heart if the politicians. The question is: why wait for precious lives
to be lost..?
It is truly unfortunate that so many years after independence, we still
don't have a true political representative that may speak for the
Muslims. We await a V.P. Singh to pick out the reports.. of the many commissions that have been formed... and push the agenda aggressively.
There exist extremely rigorous laws against housing discrimination in the USA. It is shameful that we have such deep seated animosity and yet consider ourselves a tolerant people. I hope strict laws are enacted and enforced to end this practice. The young men and women of the country with better education must contribute to ending this mind-set.
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