[Reader-list] It’s raining sops & grants for Muslims in UP

[Rakesh Iyer]

Dear Pawan

You and the nation would be wise enough to understand that none of this
really helps the Muslims, and this is only in addition to majority of the
steps which were undertaken in the past as well, only turning out as
publicity exercises. The reality is already there in the Sachar committee
report, which castigates specially those states which always shout about
themselves being secular governments.

West Bengal is one of the worst performing states when it comes to
improvement in condition of Muslims. On the other hand, Gujarat has actually
better conditions for Muslims, though this may not be related to Modi or his
BJP govt. at all. The reason is pretty simple.

Muslims are not organisms from Mars or other planet. They are human beings,
just like us. And all humans have some common needs, and there are common
indicators of development for all of us, including Muslims. Instead of
concentrating on such things like education, health and others, the
governments have more interest in grants on Haj. There would be more Muslims
not going for Haj than those going for it. What's the use of such an
expenditure. Not to forget, the Waqf boards in many states have indulged in
scams which together could total out to be one of the biggest land scams in
India, as Outlook once reported. Although to be fair, scholarships and
creating universities is ok, provided you really wish to ensure quality
education.

May be the UP govt. would do better to spend on primary education and
primary health in rural and urban areas, strengthen the PDS system and other
things. Then caste may really turn out to be totally irrelevant in the next
elections.

Rakesh