Author: Political Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: November 21, 2006
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/498508.cms
Introduction: An Eyewash - Bengal figures among states where expenditure for Muslims is less than that of SC/STs. Its judicial services have 5% of Muslims, and PSUs fare no better
The Left which is competing with other 'secular' parties for getting the UPA government act on the Sachar committee report, is now confronted with a sobering thought: The report has identified Left-controlled West Bengal as a laggard and its rivals may use this to question the Communists' commitment for the welfare of the minorities.
The report has put West Bangal in the 'worst performer category.' In the state, where the CPM-led Left Front has ruled for the past three decades, the share of Muslims in government jobs is 4.2% against a population of 25.2%. West Bengal figures among states where expenditure for Muslims is less than that of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
Muslims in judicial services in the state is merely 5% and there are no Muslims in higher positions in state PSUs. The state also comes third in terms of dropout rates and children not going to school after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
This track record, the Left fears, will come in the way of their plans to champion the Muslim cause. At a meeting of the Left leaders here, the CPI general secretary reminded his colleagues that the report could its rivals a handle to beat it with as the status of Muslims are quite dismal in West Bengal.
CPM general secretary Prakash Karat admitted to such apprehensions but said chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was taking steps to improve the situation.
Though Left parties have remained silent on specific steps that should be taken by the government after the Sachar committee report was presented to the prime minister, the CPM has sought a sub-plan for them in the eleventh five-year plan.
The Left's pressure on the government to come out with a plan for minorities may add to the dilemma of the UPA, which is caught between being under the BJP's scanner on the issue and the wooing minority support.
Left parties meeting, which was also attended by D Raja, Abani Roy, Debabrata Biswas and Devarajan, also decided to demand a discussion on the recommendations of the National Farmers' Commission. Left parties will take up their demand for changes in the SEZ Act, on which they also want a discussion in Parliament, and roll-back of petrol and diesel prices.