Muslims asked to identify as a caste, mark Islam as religion in K'taka's social, educational survey
Bengaluru: Top Muslim leaders have reportedly decided that their community members must identify themselves as a 'Muslim' caste under the religion of ‘Islam’ during the Social and Educational Survey starting September 22.
The directive was made during a late-night meeting on Thursday, chaired by Minority Welfare Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, as reported by Deccan Herald.
The meeting also included Haj Minister Rahim Khan, Government Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, retired IAS officer LK Atheeq, and MLA Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Bengaluru Jamia Masjid’s Imam Maulana Maqsood Imran Rashadi among others.
“We have asked all our community members to participate. During the survey, it was decided that our members should identify ‘Islam’ as religion, ‘Muslim’ as the caste and sub-castes wherever applicable,” DH quoted Saleem Ahmed as saying.
The decision is intended to help Muslims in Karnataka retain their reservation benefits. The ‘Muslim’ community in Karnataka comes under Category-2B with a 4% reservation. Sub-castes like Pinjara and Nadaf come under Category-1, which also has a 4% reservation.
The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has recommended an increase in the reservation for Muslims under Category-2B, from 4% to 8%. Saleem Ahmed stressed that identifying sub-castes is critical, as many are linked to specific professions. “If those Muslims who come under Category-1 don’t specify the sub-caste, then they may be put under Category-2B,” he said.
The previous BJP government had decided to scrap the 4% quota for Muslims, citing that religion-based reservations were unconstitutional. However, the decision was challenged in the Supreme Court and was not implemented. The current Congress-led government maintains that the reservation is based on backwardness as a social class rather than religion. The 2015 survey found that Muslims were the most backward community in terms of livelihood.
Meanwhile, the state government issued an order on Friday directing a comprehensive survey of the social and educational conditions of citizens across Karnataka. According to the order, the exercise will be conducted by the State Backward Classes Commission between September 22 and October 7.
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Bengaluru: Commercial building fire brought under control, two rescued
Bengaluru (PTI): A fire broke out in a multi-storey commercial building here on Friday evening, following which two people who were trapped on the terrace were safely rescued, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 5.30 pm at a commercial building located on Coles Road, they said.
However, no casualties were reported, officials added.
According to officials, the blaze started on the terrace, where a pantry and storeroom are located. The situation led to panic as the building is located adjacent to a petrol bunk, raising fears of a possible explosion.
Two people trapped on the terrace due to the fire were rescued by a police team along with Fire and Emergency Services personnel, a senior police officer said.
Four fire tenders were pressed into service, and after nearly an hour of intense firefighting, the blaze was brought under control.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
