Muslims socially better, but worse on livelihood: Karnataka caste census

Bengaluru: Muslims have a better social status -- on par with Jains -- but they are the most backward when it comes to livelihood, according to the state's caste census, which recommends hiking reservation for Karnataka's biggest religious minority from 4% to 8%. 

The Social & Educational Survey, or caste census, has given Muslims a backwardness score of 89.25 out of 200. Muslims are placed below the Yadava (Golla) community, whose score is 93.20.

Higher the score, the more backward a community is.

Muslims have a social score of 19.71 out of 100. This comes close to the Jains, who have a score of 19.73.

However, Muslims are backward when it comes to education (42.60 out of 68). The livelihood score of Muslims is the highest at 26.94 out of 32, making them most backward on this front among all marginalised groups. Livelihood indicators include landholding, nature of employment, joblessness and so on.

Jains and Christians, with total scores of 34.99 and 24.68, respectively, progressed to figure among Karnataka's most forward communities. In fact, Christians are the second most progressed community after Brahmins.

Politically, the backwardness score for Muslims would aid Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in defending a hike in their reservation amid the BJP's argument that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quota. Muslims currently come under an exclusive Category 2B with a 4% quota.

"The Sachar Committee's report clearly indicated that the educational and financial standards of the Muslim community were far below that of the SC/STs," former minister Tanveer Sait told DH. "We don't want programmes being given to the SC/STs and OBCs. We just want support on education, health, housing and employment."

A total of 59.51 lakh persons identified themselves as just 'Muslim' during the 2015 survey. Of them, 11.7% said they passed Class 10. Only 5.5% said they went to college or university. 

Only 1.03% have a government job and 1.39% work in the private sector. Many live off family-run occupations or businesses. 

"As a sect, we don't have a single profession. The Prophet grazed cattle, which the Kurubas took up," Sait, the Narasimharaja Congress MLA, said. "Be it puncture repair, scrap dealing or whatever else we do, they have nothing to do with the community."

The Commission says castes or communities scoring 90 or above will be 'most backward' and put in Category 1A and 1B. Those with a score ranging 50-89 are 'more backward' and put in Category 2A and 2B. Those in the 20-49 range are 'backward' and get Category 3A and 3B.