Muslims need level playing field not quota; Modi will deliver: Najma

By
Daily Excelsior
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NEW DELHI, June 21:
Underlining the Modi Government’s commitment to equal opportunities for Muslims, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla today said she believed more in giving level playing field to the community than giving them reservation.
“I sincerely believe that Prime Minister Modi will deliver it. He feels lopsided development was not good for the country,” Ms Heptulla said talking to UNI here.    She said reservation on religious ground was not permitted in the Constitution, but on the basis of backwardness, some castes of the minority community were already enjoying quota.    Ms Heptulla also said the security of minorities was linked with the inclusive development of the country, which was the main plank on which Prime Minister Modi contested the elections and got a massive mandate from the people.    She sought to underline that development as envisioned by the Modi Government could take place in the country only if there was peace, so there should be no doubt about the commitment of the new Government to ensure safety and security of all the sections of the people of the country, including minorities.    “Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas (inclusion and development of all) was main focus of the Prime Minister during the election campaign, and people believed in his word despite all attempts to communalise the elections,” Ms Heptulla said.    Admitting that there was no doubt about the socio-economic and educational backwardness of Muslims, the Minister said the mandate of her ministry includes giving them a level playing field.
“Our basic focus is economic development that was linked too educational status,” she said.
Replying to a question in this context, she said all the 72 recommendations of the Sachar Committee that had been accepted by the Government would be implemented.    She also promised to look into the complaints that the benefits of Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) for minority concentration districts were not percolating down to the targeted sections. (UNI)

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