SHUBHANGI KHAPRE: In

Andhra Pradesh in 2009, the government promised reservation for Muslims, but it was not implemented citing a Supreme Court order. There is a similar apprehension in Maharashtra. Due you think it is practical and if not, why is the government not rooting for it through judicial amendments?

Your argument is rational and important from the legal viewpoint. But we also have to understand the necessity of reservation, give our reasons and then find a way out for it to be established. In 1947, when reservation was started, it was given to the Scheduled Castes for 10 years because they are the most vulnerable section of society and people reconciled to it, although youngsters thought that it erodes the talent pool and lowers work efficiency. But then, 65 years have passed and the country hasn't abolished it. So, reservation has value and provides support to people.

SHUBHANGI KHAPRE: When you were concluding the report, did you know that it is difficult to implement?

We knew the difficulties and the legal impediments. But the government knows that the condition of Muslims in the country is worsening. We talk of giving them educational and industrial facilities, but that doesn't happen because the main apparatus that has to take the decisions is devoid of Muslim representation. In both IAS and IPS, the representation is almost negligible. In the government as a whole, the representation was around 11 per cent in 2002. So, if there is no involvement, how will they implement measures?

SHUBHANGI KHAPRE: Now that the 2014 elections are coming up, politicians can use the report as a handle. Could there have been any other way to make the government bring in the amendments?

Muslims are economically weak, but (even) those who can afford are also not given houses in highrise buildings. We have received such complaints in writing. As a conscious society, everyone should strive for diversity, to make the society stronger. As far as providing reservation is concerned, we can find a way out through amendments. In certain sectors, say the police, Muslim representation can be increased without amendments and the government is keen on it.

... contd.

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