Cong backs PM on minority jobs, but steers clear of quota
The Congress on Friday backed the prime minister’s call for a ‘fair share’ of jobs for minorities in government offices and private sector, but steered clear of the issue of a separate quota for Muslims.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday backed the prime minister’s call for a ‘fair share’ of jobs for minorities in government offices and private sector, but steered clear of the issue of a separate quota for Muslims.
Asked about the party view on Dr Manmohan Singh’s call, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi wondered how could there be two views on the need for a fair deal for all sections of India’s pluralistic society. “I think everybody will agree with what the prime minister has said,” he averred.
Asked whether the government was preparing the ground for introducing a special quota for Muslims, Mr Singvi said, “I don’t think either the government or the Congress has ever talked about reservation for Muslims. I don’t think the party has taken a position like that. As an individual and as a lawyer, I can say that our Constitution does not provide for any religion-based reservation system.”
Responding to the RSS and BJP charge that the prime minister’s remarks were aimed at a religion-based quota, Mr Singhvi said, “I think the criticism of the RSS and BJP was uncalled for as the prime minister has only spoken about the need of the minorities to get a fair share in jobs. In fact, how can the BJP oppose such a view given the all-inclusive nature of our society?”
The Congress spokesman has also chosen to tread carefully, at least for the time being, on reports that the Rajendra Sachar Committee has found that Muslims have been under-represented in government jobs and the judiciary.
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“The fact remains that the Sachar panel has not yet submitted its report to the government. Therefore we do not wish to make any comments on the issue even though there have been some speculative reports in the media,” he said.Download
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