Confusing Minority Paradigm

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Twelve five-year plans have been executed. Inclusivity has not yet been materialized. It is the central government’s official finding that the largest minority in this country, Muslims, are marginalized.
India is marching ahead with pace and force. Growth has not benefited all people of all religions and groups. Muslims are very backward in human development index. Sachar report, 2006 and Ranganath Mishra report, 2007, set in motion many schemes in eleventh five-year plan.
Main reason for the backwardness is the distance between Muslim community and government schemes. Growth oriented leadership did not emerge. Schemes were not monitored. Twenty two crore Indians are kept out of decision-making circle. They were not given the opportunity to sit in power corridors. This is another reason.
MP, MLA, minister, chairman who got authority betrayed the community. This perpetuated backwardness.
Annual seminar of national minority commission has brought forward much information. Law is common for everyone. Article 25 needs special attention. It is available in letter. Reality is different. Protection is needed on four fronts:
1. Identity
2. Life and property
3. Share in growth
4. Share in power
Central and state governments apply their minds to the problem seriously. Revisions and reassessments happen. Monetary allocations and legal protection are granted. But still, growth does not reach the Muslims.
‘Minority‘ definition changes from one state to another. It varies depending on situations and whims. Interpretations are done to appease the political alliance.
Indian Constitution grants equal opportunity regardless of religion, caste, region, language divide. Muslims should be pioneers in realizing this. Majority-minority farcical divide has no solution to livelihood issues, real estate loots, misuse of power and unfettered increase in prices.
Muslims should come out of the sick mentality. The word ‘minority’ incapacitates nervous system. It brings additional enemies. The Quran emphasizes ‘khaira ummat’. Let us define the term with new will power.