The disgruntled Muslim youth may think twice before turning radical now on.

The Maharashtra government has a solace.

A proposal named 'De-radicalisation of Youth and Communal Amity' is in the works to bring them to the mainstream. This, after the government has realised that there is a direct link between growing radicalisation and a sense of alienation among the youth of the minority community.

A government resolution, listing various proposals, is expected to be out in a fortnight. Among other things, it calls for special allocation of funds to Muslim-dominated areas for better implementation of various schemes, modernisation of madrasas and counselling to those lodged in jails under charges of terrorism to help them overcome their past.

Sources said that, as a pilot project, the government has already allotted funds to several Muslim-dominated areas for infrastructure development. For instance, Malegaon has been given Rs 2 crore for infra-related schemes.The government is aware it is treading on sensitive territory here, and makes its intentions clear. “This is not appeasement but acting on the findings of the Sachchar committee. It’s the need of the hour and we have to ensure holistic growth of the state,” said minister of state (home) Ranjit Patil.

One of the most unique and ambitious highlights of the resolution is on countering provocative content spread on social media. It plans to check this by pitting harmonious content prepared by Imams/religious leaders/thinkers of the community.

Sources said that instructions have already been issued to departments like education, health, urban development, housing, industry and revenue to work out plans to take beneficiary schemes to minority-dominated areas, and to their fullest.

“We are still working on the draft of the resolution, but in a nutshell, the main aim of the proposal is to induce confidence among the members of the minority community and bring them to the mainstream,” said Patil. Though Muslims form over 10.6% of Maharashtra’s population, they fare poorly in social and developmental indicators like education, fertility rates, health, and participation of women in the workforce.

The chief minister’s study group, under former IAS officer Mehmood-ur-Rehman, which examined the socio-economic and educational backwardness of Muslims, noted: “It will not be hyperbole to say that Indian Muslims are among the poorest of the poor today.”

The government has also asked all departments to share their database with the home department to create a single pool of information.

The reform agenda

Increased access to education, health schemes and jobs for minority youths Counter radical/provocative messages on social media by circulating content by Imams/religious leaders or other thinkers from the communitySpecial relaxation to minority community for scholarshipsSpecial funds for minority-dominated areas to improve overall infrastructureTo extend beneficiary schemes meant for SC/ST/OBCs to the minority community