AP Govt committed to reservation for Muslims

Hyderabad, Mar 9 (UNI) Asserting that Andhra Pradesh Government was committed to providing five per cent reservation to Muslims in government jobs and education, state Backward Classes Welfare Minister D Srinivas today clarified that the quantum of reservation for the Backward Classes (BCs) would be increased from 25 per cent as and when new communities were included in the list.

There was no question of scaling down the quantum of reservation for Muslims or BCs, he said while replying to the debate on grants for BC welfare in the Assembly.

''The government is committed to providing reservation for Muslims and there is no going back on its poll promise. It will strive hard to provide five per cent reservation to Muslims,'' he asserted, allaying fears of AIMIM members based on press reports that the quantum of reservation might be reduced adhering to the Supreme Court's guideline that it should not exceed 50 per cent.

The quantum of reservation was more than 50 per cent in some states, he pointed out, adding the reservation percentage would be increased as and when new communities were included in the BC list based on the recommendations of the BC Commission.

As per the recommendations of the Sachar Committee, which identified the reasons for socio-economic backwardness of the Muslims, the Government had stepped up allocation for their betterment, he added.

Later, the House adopted the demand for grants for BC welfare by a voice vote.

UNI