In a recent interview with Anadolu, Abdul Malik Mujahid, the president of Justice For All, brought attention to the pervasive discrimination faced by Muslims in India, particularly in education and employment.
Mujahid emphasized the challenges encountered by educated Muslims who, despite achieving high grades, find themselves unable to secure jobs matching their qualifications. Even those with advanced degrees often end up in positions that do not require their level of education.
Educational Challenges and Bias
Mujahid underscored the educational hurdles faced by Muslim children in India, highlighting instances of discrimination. He recounted an incident where a 7-year-old Muslim child was physically assaulted at school, facing derogatory remarks and biased treatment from teachers and fellow students. Additionally, he pointed out restrictions imposed in some states on Muslim girls wearing headscarves, leading to their exclusion from educational institutions.
According to Mujahid, the educational curriculum is undergoing changes that omit Muslim heritage, such as excluding information about the Muslim architect of the Taj Mahal and including textbooks with derogatory statements about those who consume beef.
Economic Disparities
Turning to economic discrimination, Mujahid revealed stark disparities in the workforce, with Muslims, constituting approximately 15% of India’s population, being disproportionately underrepresented. Only 1% of government jobs are held by Muslims, despite their significant demographic presence. In contrast, Brahmins, the highest caste of Hindus, comprising 3.5% of the population, hold a staggering 61% of government jobs.
Mujahid discussed the repercussions of the ban on transporting cows for non-agricultural purposes, leading to the decline of the meat and leather industry and subsequent unemployment for Muslims. He cited the closure of 50,000 butcher shops in a single state as a direct consequence of the ban.
Boycotts and Fearmongering
Mujahid highlighted the boycotts faced by halal-certified products, with Hindus associating the sale of such products with “Islamic economic expansion.” He revealed that Hindu extremist groups create fear among the Indian population by linking these economic activities to alleged support for terrorism. Such tactics contribute to the marginalization of Muslims in economic spheres.
In conclusion, the plight of Muslims in India remains a pressing issue, with discrimination in education and employment creating substantial barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
