MOHD. ASIM KHAN interacts with the Delhi Minority Commission (D.M.C) newly appointed Chairman KAMAL FARUQI. Mr. Faruqi talks about his new job and its nuisances, its aims and objectives as the Chairman and the way he wants to do it. Excerpts:
How are you feeling like being the Chairman of the Minority Commission?
I am feeling a lot of responsibility. I am excited but at the same time a bit scared as a lot of expectations are there. This job is a challenge for me.
Have you set some goals for yourself ?
Yes, I have fixed my targets. My top priority would be the educational development of the Muslim community. I would try to achieve hundred per cent literacy in Delhi’s minority communities. It may sound a bit unrealistic but at least we can try. Opening up some new schools and improving the conditions of the Urdu Medium schools would be another target. Masjid can also be utilised for imparting education.
Besides the PM’s 15-point programme provides us with ample guidelines to work on. We will also try to implement the Sachar Committee recommendations through Minority Commission.
How far the Delhi Minority Commission has been successful in achieving its goals?
I do not want to talk about past. As far as I am concerned, I have fixed my targets and would leave no stone unturned in the quest for achieving them. I am getting full support from the Delhi Government and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The Chief Minister told me to go ahead and assured me full support.
What is the status of Minorities in Delhi at present ?
It’s as bad as in the rest of country. DMC feels more pressure because of moving population. Most of the Muslims live in slums and shanties in Delhi. Educationally, they are backward though they are perhaps a little better economically in Delhi
To what extent can the DMC go in solving these problems?
The Commission is a power institution. It is a statutory body. It can ask for any details from any government office, it can summon people, it can take their statement on oath. We can use these powers which are at our disposal to fight for the rights of the minorities. And I will make them understand I mean business.
It means you agree that minorities are discriminated against?
See, discrimination is there and we cannot deny it.
Do you think DMC can safeguard their interests?
Of course, it can. In any case we have an infrastructure now. This office is available. Now it is my duty to utilise these resources and work for the welfare of minorities and safeguard their interests.
You have been working for the social uplift of Muslims for many years now. As the Chairman of DMC what extra can you do for the community?
Earlier, I did not have the power. I only had a zeal that kept me going. Now Allah has provided me with an opportunity to work for the community. Now I can question the authorities. I can demand explanations. I can summon people et al. It was not possible earlier. I would like to make DMC as powerful as any other Commission.
Do you have enough staff to help you in day-to-day working ?
Staff is still a problem. I do not have too many competent people here and I have requested the Chief Minister to provide us with competent staff.
It’s almost a month, now since you were appointed Chairman. What is your experience during the one month?
I am satisfied and enjoying my job. The other two members are supportive. Complaints have started pouring in. We have also started taking up news items as complaints. Every new day is action oriented. Immediately after my appointment, the issue of the desecration of Ferozshah Kotla Mosque propped up. I took up the issue and made the DG suspend the staff at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Then we took up Hafiz Kamaluddin case and Masjid Fakhruddin issue. We are also looking into the issue of Delhi Police deporting the Muslims by declaring them Bangladeshi immigrants. We are also trying to persuade Saint Stephen’s College administration to include Muslims and other minorities in their admission reservation quota. So we are doing a lot.
At “Minority Commission at your doorstep” every week we will organise a camp in different parts of the city wherein the area MP, MLA, Corporator, Police officers and social workers would be invited to discuss the issues.
Do you face any hurdles?
Umm…. Bureaucracy. The way bureaucrats work sometimes scuttle the otherwise smooth process. But I am trying to get over it. I am working and they will have to work, that’s simple.