Centre contemplating reservation to Muslims: Khurshid

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The Centre is contemplating giving reservation to Muslims for which some changes may have to be made in the existing law, Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday said.

"We may have to make some changes in the law regarding that (giving reservation to Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions). What we want to give is on the lines of what Andhra Pradesh has already done. So, we will follow the Andhra Pradesh model quite closely," he said.

Khurshid was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here to express solidarity with Palestine, which is seeking membership of the United Nations.

He said the OBC Commission may conduct a survey to decide the percentage of reservation to be given to Muslims.

"The OBC Commission will have some role in deciding, in surveying and so on and the percentage of reservation," he said.

Indicating that the process may take some time, he said different aspects of it are being examined.

"There will be separate reservations. I don't know whether it is (going to be through) a bill. It is not necessary to have another bill. It may be done through government notification. We are having it all examined," he said.

The Congress government in Andhra Pradesh has made provisions to give reservation to Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions and the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

However, there is no stay on the implementation of the provisions made by the state government.

Describing the Palestine cause as just, he said India would support the country's bid for a UN berth.

Palestine Ambassador Adli Shaban Hasna Sadiq thanked India and the organisers of the meeting, Indo-Arab League, Hyderabad, for supporting the Palestine cause.