Muslim quota hike plan in limbo

A 10-month old proposal to increase the 3.5 per cent reservation for Muslims within the Backward Classes quota still remains on paper.

The proposal seeking a recommendation “at an early date” was drafted by the State Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department early last year. The government’s action followed representations from the India Thowheed Jamaath and the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath. But there has been no progress.

A few days before the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls last March, the department sent the proposal to the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission for approval.

The former Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, subsequently, gave an assurance to people during the poll campaign.

“The matter is pending before the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission,” said S. Abdul Rahim, Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare. “Our officers are following up the matter with the Commission,” he told The Hindu on Wednesday.

As of now, the overall quantum for BCs is 30 per cent. As per the 2001 Census, Muslims account for 34.7 lakh, representing 5.56 per cent of the State’s population.

“So far, the Commission has not held any discussion on the issue,” says Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader in the Assembly, M.H. Jawahirullah.

A source in the Commission says the body has been preoccupied with the upcoming hearing in the Supreme Court regarding 69 per cent reservation. Once the Srirangam by-election is over, the Commission is expected to take up the matter and this may take another month.