CPI calls for 'mechanism' to end minority discrimination

Puducherry, Jan 21 (UNI) Communist Party of India (CPI) National Secretary Shameem Faizi today called for a 'mechanism' to end discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims, and ensure their participation in national development.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Faizi regretted that the Centre had not taken any steps to implement the Sachaar Committee recommendations, even after 15 months of its submission. It was not even discussed in Parliament and hence, the CPI had put forth 15 demands. Some affirmative action should be taken as per Article 64 of the Constitution, he added.

He also sought for a directive from the Reserve Bank of India, scrapping the ban on the issue of loans to 'red areas'.

He said the Muslim population in the country was just above six per cent and their share in employment was only 0.26 per cent. They should be considered as OBC and provided reservation, he added.

Stating that while the national average of school dropouts was only 30 per cent, dropout rate in Muslim community was 67 per cent, due to absence of educational facilities in 116 blocks where more than 40 per cent were Muslims.

Hence, 20 per cent of the funds under 'Sarva Sikha Abhiyan' should be utilsed for setting up schools in these blocks, he added.

The CPI had started an organisation called 'INSAF' to ensure education and socio-economic development for the Muslims.

To a question he said the CPI would oppose any strategic agreement with the US. The party opposed the launch of Israeli satellite 'Polaris' by the ISRO, since Israel, was a strategic partner of the US.

Since the Special Economic Zone was not an ''unavoidable necessity'' to ensure economic development, the party opposed it. The party was not opposing it as it does not want to disintegrate the DPA in Tamil Nadu.

He also stressed the need for the formation of a front, including all secular units, to counter the communal forces. He also wanted the Puducherry administration to enhance fund allocation to the Puducherry Minority Finance Commission.

UNI PAB PJ VP1405 -