A study of employment and education among Muslims in India by Prof. Rakesh Basant of IIM Ahmedabad has revealed a high proportion of self-employment among Muslims to avoid discrimination given high perceptions of unfairness; this leads low salaries and economic backwardness among the minority. The researcher found most respondents had a ‘stigma of being labeled anti-nationalists” and “being appeased at the same time”. He concluded Muslims are more in need of quotas than Hindu OBCs. The report suggests affirmative action and incentivising diversity in institutes and companies to enable a greater participation in governance and labor force.
The research noted that the gap between upper caste Hindus and Muslims had remained the same, and that of Dalits, Adivasi and upper-caste Hindus had declined.
It cited non-existent credit flow in Muslim areas and low participation in education due to limited access to good quality schools as adversely affecting their status.
It recommends “Nomination of ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities in local-level bodies”; and that reservation in government employment could enhance returns to education for Muslims. A Central government notification to affect 4.5% minority quota in Central educational institutes is still pending in court due to an Andhra High Court stay.
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