Issue of Reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh | 25 Apr 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the issue of the 5% quota given to Muslims in Andhra Pradesh in 2004 has resurfaced, reigniting the debate regarding the religion-based reservation.

What is the Background of the Reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh?

• About:
  • In Andhra Pradesh, where Muslims constitute about 9.5% of the population, certain Muslim groups are already included in the state OBC lists, with quotas ranging from 7% to 10%.
    • However, there has been a push to include all Muslims in the OBC category, following the models of Karnataka and Kerala.
• Reservation in 2004:
  • In June 2004, the government examined the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims in the state for inclusion in the OBC list, leading to a 5% reservation under Articles 15(4) and 16(4).
  • However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down the quota for being implemented without being referred to the Backward Classes Commission and for not excluding the creamy layer.
    • Court held that the muslim community cannot be considered as a homogenous group.
    • One of the key questions before the court was whether Muslims, as a group, are entitled to affirmative action within the constitutional framework, which the court ruled affirmatively, stating that such reservations do not violate secularism.
• Reservation in 2005:
  • The Backward Classes Commission recommended providing reservations to the entire Muslim Community, stating that they are socially, educationally, and economically backward.
  • The state government again introduced an Ordinance granting a 5% quota to Muslims, which was subsequently replaced with legislation.
  • The High Court once again struck down the quota, stating that the Commission did not rely on objective criteria (M. Nagaraj v. Union Of India, 2006) to conclude that Muslims as a group were backward in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The ruling was challenged before the Supreme Court, which in 2010 directed to maintain the status quo till the issue was heard.
• Current Status:
  • The final hearing in the Supreme Court was scheduled for 2022. However, the SC decided to hear the case after the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota issue was decided.
  • The EWS quota was cleared in November 2022, but the AP quota issue is yet to be heard.
• Issues With Andhra Model of Reservation:
  • Considering muslims as homogenous group violates principle of equality in the Constitution's Basic Structure.
  • It also violates the constitutional prohibition on granting reservations based solely on religion (Articles 15(1) and 16(2)).
  • The High Court observed that Andhra Pradesh's reservation quota, already at 46% under Articles 15(4) and 16(4), breached the 50% limit with the addition of a 5% quota for Muslims, questioning the lack of compelling reasons for this breach.

What are the Arguments Related to Religion-based Reservation in India?

• Arguments in Favour of Religion-Based Reservations in India:
  • Socio-Economic Backwardness: According to the Sachar Committee Report, Muslims in India lag behind other communities in terms of socio-economic indicators such as education, employment, and income.
    • Reservations can help in bridging this gap.
  • Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution provides for affirmative action for socially and educationally backward classes irrespective of the religious and cultural denomination.
  • Ensuring Adequate Representation: Reservations can ensure adequate representation of underrepresented religious groups in employment, education, and other fields.
• Arguments Against Religion-Based Reservations in India:
  • Secularism: Critics argue that providing reservations based on religion goes against the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which advocates equal treatment of all religions by the state.
  • Undermining National Unity: Religion-based reservations could undermine national unity as it could lead to resentment and division among different communities.
  • Economic Criteria: Reservations should be based solely on economic criteria rather than religion, to ensure that benefits reach those who are truly economically disadvantaged, irrespective of their religion.
  • Administrative Challenges: Implementing reservations based on religion could pose administrative challenges, such as determining the criteria for identifying beneficiaries and preventing misuse of the system.

Way Forward:

• Socio-Economic Criteria: Instead of religion, reservations could be based on socio-economic criteria, ensuring that benefits reach the most disadvantaged individuals regardless of their religion.
• Empowerment Through Education: Focus on improving educational infrastructure and providing skill development programs to empower the backward communities and enhance their socio-economic status.
• Inclusive Policies: Implement inclusive policies that address the specific needs of the backward religious communities in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare, without resorting to religious-based reservations.
• Dialogue and Consensus: Engage in a dialogue involving all stakeholders to arrive at a consensus to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the various communities, ensuring that any measures taken are in line with constitutional values and principles.