Is there any systemic discrimination against Muslims in India?
It is not as if there is a deliberate attempt to discriminate. But there is such a perception. Ours was more a factual thing. When there exists a feeling within a minority — either at the higher or lower levels — that there is discrimination, then steps must be taken to remove that feeling, that perception. For example, in the Indian Administrative Service, we found Muslims account for only two to three percent of the cadre. Interestingly, we also found that the percentage of success among Muslims and non-Muslims is the same. There was no discrimination in that sense. The percentage of people — Muslims or non-Muslims — who got selected is the same. But, frankly, Muslims lack very much in education. What do you attribute that to? More concerted efforts are necessary to help Muslims in the education field. And Muslim women are worse in this area. It is because there is a certain amount of reluctance among Muslim families to send girls/women to school. Could you apportion blame on the
