Shabbir Ali demands share for Muslims

Hyderabad, April 10 (INN): Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir has demanded the inclusion of all 14 socially, educationally and economically Backward Classes among Muslims of Telangana in the Central List.

Making a detailed representation before the National Commission for Backward Classes during its public hearing at Indira Priya Darshini Auditorium here on Friday, Shabbir Ali said 14 castes/groups of Muslims have already been identified as socially and educationally backward classes by the Andhra Pradesh Commission for Backward Classes. The Supreme Court permitted the reservations in favour of the said classes/groups by an Order dated 25.03.2010 in Civil Appeal No. 2628-2637 of 2010 and the same is binding under Article 141 of the constitution of India, he said.

"The identified groups/classes among Muslims have been enjoying the reservations under the State Government for over 8 eight years by now. Denying such identified groups a similar affirmative action under the Union government will be discriminatory and arbitrary," Shabbir Ali said while requesting the National BC Commission to rely upon the available material, on the basis of which the AP Commission for Backward Classes had identified the socially and educationally backward classes/groups. "The National Commission should include such identified groups/classes in the list of Backward Classes of the Central Government for educational and employment opportunities in implementation of the Orders passed by the Supreme Court, he said.

Shabbir Ali said that then Congress Government provided 4% reservation to Muslims by passing a legislation in the State Assembly. He contended that enough care was taken to fulfill all the legal obligations. Although the matter is still pending for final verdict in the Supreme Court, it must be noted that the Supreme Court had allowed continuance of reservation as prima facie it found valid grounds for giving reservation to 14 socially, educationally and economically groups among Muslims.

Stating that the reservation would inculcate a positive spirit among the weak groups/castes, Shabbir Ali pointed out Sub-Inspector Siddaiah, who was killed in exchange of fire with two extremists, hailed from Duddekula castes of Muslims, which has been given reservation under BC-E category in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Senior counsel SN Prasad argued the case on behalf of Shabbir Ali before the National BC Commission comprising of its chairman Justice V Eshwaraiah, Members SK Kharventhan, AK Mangotra and Dr Shakeel-uz-Zaman Ansari.

Prasad pointed out that the Supreme Court had a strong reason to grant stay on 4% Muslim reservation in the State and therefore, it should be extended at the national level. He also contended that the final judgment of the Supreme Court would not affect the decision of the National Commission for Backward Classes. He also urged the Commission to devise its own guidelines to identify socially, educationally and economically backwards castes/group by collecting statistical data.