Reservation for Muslims: Govt prefers a cautious approach

New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) Indian Government prefers a
cautious approach to the issue of reservation for Muslims and
certain other minorities notwithstanding a high-profile panel
making a strong pitch for it, Minority Affairs Minister Salman
Khurshid indicated on Monday.

"Our (Congress) manifesto is clear on this (reservation
for minorities). We will apply Karnataka-Tamilnadu model which
says Pasmandas (backward among Muslims) should get reservation
according to their population.
"We are studying it very carefully. It's a good model in
which Pasmandas can get reservation on the basis of their
population. The court has also upheld it...if this is
implemented we may not be in need to go for Rangnath Mishra
report," Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurhsid said.
However, he maintained that the government "is waiting
for the decision of Andhra Pradesh High Court (regarding a
similar issue). That will clear view of judiciary over the
matter."
The miniter was responding to queries regarding the
Centre's stand on the issue of reservation for minorities
vis-a-vis Mishra Commission's recommendation while addressing
Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues here.
The National Commission for Religious and Linguistic
Minorities in its report has recommended 15 per cent
reservation for minorities in general and 10 per cent for
Muslims in particular. It also advocated reservation for
Dalits converted to Islam and Christianity. PTI AMR
RBT