Inquiry Panel on Muslims to conduct district-wise hearings

Hyderabad, Aug 18: The Commission of Inquiry, which was constituted to study the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in Telangana State, will conduct hearings in all districts from September onwards.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Commission chairman G Sudhir informed that hearings would be held in all districts to elicit view and information on the status of Muslims in Telangana State. He said all the departments have been asked to send data pertaining to Muslims. The status of implementation of different minority welfare schemes has also been sought.

Sudhir said that the Commission was not having access to data compiled during Intensive Household Survey (IHS) by the State Government. The religious Census 2011 too is not available. However, he hoped that the Commission would gather relevant data, complete analysis and prepare a report within six months. He said that the Commission will seek extension in its term, if required.

Commission member Amerullah Khan said compared to other communities, the income-levels of Muslims have come down in the last one decade. He said that income levels and representation of Muslims in various elected and nominated bodies would also be covered in the survey. When asked whether the Commission’s report would be used to provide 12% reservation to Muslims in Telangana, he said it was a political decision to be taken by the State Government. However, he said Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is proposing to emulate Tamil Nadu which provided 69% reservation as per Schedule 9. (INN)