Reservation for Backward Muslims

The Report of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities (NCRLM), commonly known as Ranganath Misra Commission, was laid in both the Houses of Parliament on 18-12-2009. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, said that since recommendations contained in the report are under consideration of the Central Government, the question of States providing reservation of 10% for Backward Muslims based on the recommendations of the NCRLM Report is premature at this stage. Informing the House that Action Taken Report (ATR) on NCRLM has not been laid in the Parliament, Shri Pala said that placing of ATRs in the Parliament is mandatory in the case of Commissions set up under Commissions of Enquiry Act 1952 whereas NCRLM was set up under Government Resolution No1-11/2004-MC (D), dated 29th October, 2004. The recommendations/findings of the Commission have been circulated to concerned Ministries/Departments for their comments.

Shri Pala further informed the House that under the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, priority sector lending is provided for various activities to the Minorities including Muslims. In 2010-11 Rs. 1,43,396.70 crore have been provided under this programme.