HYDERABAD, 14 July 2004 — Andhra Pradesh’s Congress government has reserved five percent of jobs and places in educational institutions in the state for Muslims by including the community on a list of “backward castes”.
A government order issued Monday night said the measure would come into force immediately. By announcing the move Congress has made good a key election promise to minorities.
The five-percent quota was reserved based on an in-depth study of the socioeconomic and educational conditions of the Muslim community.
A 1991 survey revealed minorities to be 7.2 million, or 11 percent of the total population, with Muslims making up 6.4 million, two thirds of whom live below the poverty line. The literacy rate among the Muslims was only 18 percent, and only four percent among Muslim women.
Those on the list of backward castes, who include the “untouchables” of Hindu society, are entitled preferential treatment in matters of employment and education.
