The Indian National Congress, in its Manifesto for the just-concluded Lok Sabha Elections 2009, committed to introduce reservations, at the national level, for socially and economically backward minorities. The manifesto unambiguously declared: “The Indian National Congress is irrevocably committed to ensuring that the Constitutional rights of all minorities are protected fully, that the representation of minorities in public administration increases substantially, and that minorities recognize that the government is working for their welfare at all times.
“The Indian National Congress has pioneered reservations for minorities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in government employment and education on the basis of their social and economic backwardness. We are committed to adopt this policy at the national level.”
Contrary to this electoral commitment of ruling INC, its Minister of State for Minority Affairs, has rejected the very idea of reservation and expressed the apprehension that such a step is bound to create social rifts. Several INC ruled States have implemented quota, without social problems for which he is so apprehensive and wants to back out from the party electoral promise. Unfortunately his plea echoes what BJP has been propagating against the quota for minorities.
In an interview (Indian Express, June 8, 2009) the newly-appointed Minister for Minority Affairs, Mr. Salman Khurshid has called quota for Muslims a “double-edged sword” which could create “envy, hostility and resistance”. He has instead advocated affirmative action as a tool to “inject an ability to compete” rather than make them “constant beneficiaries of additional help”.
We agree that affirmative action will have a positive impact, but in prevailing conditions, it is not enough to neutralise the injustices and biases for which Minorities, especially Muslims have been subjected for the last 60 years. Affirmative action will have no legal force, while quota will come through legal process. Therefore implementation of ‘affirmative action’ is though desirable, yet not an assured remedy and therefore may not be a substitute of quota. Though the quota is desirable for the whole minority community, which has been admittedly pushed back through the persistent policies, yet we will be happy if only economically, socially and educationally backward families are covered, irrespective of their cast and sub-cast.
The voters, who voted en-block for INC have right to know from the managers of the party and the government if the wisdom of the Minister will prevail and INC Poll Commitment will be shelved or the UPA Government will adhere to its commitment to implement quota on national level? In case INC sincerely meant what it promised to the electorate, is it not doubtful that the present incumbent in the Ministry of Minority Affairs is a fit person for the job, as quota is contrary to his political philosophy?
During the interview, the Minister was asked about implementation the recommendations of Justice Ranganath Misra Commission for Linguistics and Religious Minorities. Strangely, he showed his ignorance about the report and maintained he had not read it.
The Misra Commission was appointed by U.P.A. Government and its recommendations were widely discussed in print and electronic media. It is noteworthy that the leader, who is supposed to represent the interests of the Minority Community in the UPA Government and was assigned the portfolio of Minister of Minority Affairs, has had no interest in such a vital document regarding Minorities? This creates doubts in the minds in general public if Mr. Khurshid is a suitable gentleman for the job entrusted to him?
[The writer, a Senior Journalist and Gen. Sec, Forum for Civil Rights, can be contacted at [email protected]]