The question of Dalit Muslims

Sir,

The recommendation from the National Commission for Minorities to accord Dalit status to Muslims and Christians is snowballing into another controversy. To re-inforce its political ideology, it seems, the UPA government is using the services of National Commission for Minorities and National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities. The NCM has adopted a face saving strategy by getting a study report.

But this is all a game plan. The sufferings of Dalits arise from their social degradation and humiliation, where as Muslims have unquestionable superior social status having absolutely no symptoms of unapproachability and untouchability, even if some Muslims face economic deprivation and marginalisation.

Islam permits perfect social equality. Can we call Muslims “Dhed and Chammar”? These are prohibitory words.

Dalits may stage a revolt because this attempt tries to dilute their reservation quota. Let Muslims be considered under OBC quota.

Mumtaz Ali Khan
Bangalore

No change

Sir,

This refers to the suggestion by the National Commission for Minorities to extend reservation for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims. Its true that a good number of Dalits convert to Islam. Even though their socio-economic status remains the same and most of them continue with their traditional professions as artisans, peasants and labourers, but it is does not go well with the spirit of the Constitution to accord them the status of schedule castes. Just by according any one the status of schedule caste, it does not bring about any remarkable change into his life.

Mohammed Zubair
Bangalore

Incorrect proposal

Sir,

The National Commission for Minorities recommendation to give reservations for Dalits in other religions is not correct. This defeats the very purpose of their conversion to Islam or Christianity.

The heads of these religions who proclaim that in there is no discrimination in their religion should actually protest. However, their agenda of conversion is benefited by this arrangement of according reservations to Dalits who convert to Islam or Christianity. It is time that we moved towards closing the bridge between castes and religions. 

B N Gangadhar
Bangalore

More teeth

Sir,

The decision to give Lokayukta more powers to suspend government employees who have been charged with the possession of wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income (DH, April 7), is in the right direction.

When such cases are registered against higher government officials, it takes years to dispose the case.

Throughout the trial period, the charged official gets his salary and all emoluments as usual. If the case culminates with the exoneration the charged due to the lack sufficient evidence and witness, it is huge loss of valuable time and money.

Devendra L Abbigeri
Dharwad 
 
Mass resignation

Sir,

If the reports are to be believed, it is indeed very shocking and dangerous to note that many officers of our armed forces have resigned because of some alleged faulty recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission. As per reports, we are already short of 15000 officers of the armed forces and these resignations will affect us badly. The government and the 6th Pay Commission must heed such trend and revise the pay scale for them.

S P SHARMA
Mumbai

Bureaucrat politicos

Sir,

At a time when there is a dire need to improve the credibility of the UPA, the Congress has not helped itself by inducting the former Chief Election Commissioner M S Gill into the ministry.

Having burnt its fingers in various assembly polls and with price rise staring like the Damocles' sword Congress should have learnt a lesson and convinced the public that it is turning a new leaf. Congress should not only set a precedent not to prop up aged bureaucrats and constitutional authorities, but should also bring in an amendment to deny top government officials to take up any position anywhere after retirement.

Vani Iyengar
Bangalore