Centre contemplating reservation to Muslims: Khurshid

Hyderabad, Sep 18 (PTI) The Centre (government of India)
is contemplating giving reservation to Muslims for which some
changes may have to be made in the existing law, Indian Law
Minister Salman Khurshid Sunday said.
"We may have to make some changes in the law regarding
that (giving reservation to Muslims in government jobs and
educational institutions). What we want to give is on the
lines of what Andhra Pradesh has already done. So, we will
follow the Andhra Pradesh model quite closely," he said.
Khurshid was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a
function here to express solidarity with Palestine which is
seeking membership of the United Nations.
He said the OBC Commission may conduct a survey to decide
the percentage of reservation to be given to Muslims.
"The OBC Commission will have some role in deciding, in
surveying and so on and the percentage of reservation," he
said.
Indicating that the process may take some time, he said
different aspects of it are being examined.
"There will be separate reservations. I don't know
whether it is (going to be through) a bill. It is not
necessary to have another bill. It may be done through
government notification. We are having it all examined," he
said.
The Congress government in southeastern indian state
Andhra Pradesh has made provisions to give reservation to
Muslims in government jobs and educational institutions and
the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
However, there is no stay on the implementation of the
provisions made by the state government.
Describing the Palestine cause as just, he said India
would support the country's bid for a UN berth.
Palestine Ambassador Adli Shaban Hasna Sadiq thanked
India and the organisers of the meeting, Indo-Arab League,
Hyderabad, for supporting the Palestine cause.