Muslim washermen demand reservation in jobs, SC status

New Delhi, Jun 18 (UNI) Promising nearly 4 lakh low-cost houses for people of the lower strata of society, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said 5,000 such houses would be ready for distribution by August this year.

Speaking at a conference organised by the All India Jamiat-ul-Hawareen, Ms Dikshit said while Rs 1.25 lakh of the total cost would be borne by the Central government, Rs 60,000 by the Delhi government and the rest be arranged through loans.

Stressing that her government was committed to uplift of the minorities, the CM said various other demands of the community would be addressed after putting it through the proper channel.

''Recently, we gave the minority status to Jains, which was implemented after the Assembly accepted their request. Similarly, if your demand of getting SC status is brought before the Minority Commission and it agrees to the proposal, it would be implemented.'' The All India Jamiat-ul-Hawareen had organised the conference to demand reservation in jobs, like the scheduled castes, for Muslim washermen and benefits on a par with Hindu washermen.

It also wanted that the families affected by the uprooting of 'ghats' on Yamuna banks be rehabilitated.

Besides, it wanted jobs for childern, who went to school till Class XII and demanded subsidy in electricity, which was being given to Hindu washermen.

Delhi Waqf Board chairperson Mateen Ahmed asked the members present to concentrate on the community as a whole, and not just about the caste.

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