The Union law minister Salman Khurshid on Sunday said that the Central government is exploring the possibilities of giving reservations to Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions.
He said the Centre was closely following the model of the Andhra Pradesh government that is presently offering four per cent reservation to the principle minority community.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting to show solidarity with Palestinians organised by the Indo-Arab League here on Sunday, the minister said the OBC Commission will be conducting a survey to decide the percentage of reservation to be given to Muslims.
“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 a government notification. We are having it all examined,” Mr Khurshid said. He said a comprehensive development plan has been prepared for the 90 districts having a fair concentration of Muslims and more districts, up to 120 in the 12th Plan, will be included.
The Congress government in Andhra Pradesh has provided reservations to Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions. The matter is currently before the Supreme Court, but there is no stay on the implementation of the provisions made by the state government. “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,” he said.
Commenting on the subject at the meeting, Mr Khurshid said the Palestine cause was a just one and India would support the Palestinians’ bid for a UN berth. Palestine ambassador Adli Shaban Hasna Sadiq thanked India and the organisers of the meeting, the Indo-Arab League, Hyderabad, for supporting the Palestinian cause. Syed Vicaruddin of the Indo-Arab League was among others who spoke.