Centre flayed for keeping Ranganathan's report in cold storage

Patna, Mar 31 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today lambasted the centre for its failure to allow debate and initiate subesequent action on the report of the Ranganathan Commission, constituted to suggest ways for the uplift of minorities.

Replying to the non-official resolution brought by leader of the Opposition in the state legislative council Gulam Gaus on earmarking of five per cent reservation for the backward Muslims from that of 16 per cent allocated for them in government services, Mr Kumar said the Centre was only interested in constituting various committees but their recommendations were never taken seriously, defeating the very purpose of such committees.

Referring to the report of the Ranganathan Commission, he said it had not seen light of the day, despite being submitted to the centre several years ago.

Taking exception to Mr Gaus' statement that the Andhra Pradesh government had taken favourable report from the commission constituted for the welfare of the Muslims to ensure their reservation in the state government services, Mr Kumar categorically said the NDA government never believed in such things and it could not be a role model for his government in Bihar.

''The commission constituted for the specific purpose should have full freedom to function according to its terms of references and the government concerned has no business to influence the report of such committees,'' he maintained.

Mr Kumar said the suggestion of Mr Gaus made in the House through non-official resolution about earmarking of five per cent reservation for backward Muslims from the 16 per cent quota for the backward classes, was against their interests.

''As per the existing provision, the backward Muslims can avail full quota of 16 per cent of the posts reserved for backward classes in government services, if they qualify,'' he said, adding that acceptance of the resolution would confine the backward Muslims to five per cent only. Later, however, Mr Gaus withdrew his non-official resolution.

UNI KKS-RS LL KD HT2218