Pune: All India Ulema And Mashaikh Board Demands 5% Reservation For Muslims In Education

Pune, 26th November 2023: The All India Ulema and Mashaikh Board issued a statement on Saturday, urging the state government to allocate 5 per cent reservation for Muslims in the education sector.

During an executive meeting held in Pune, decisions were conveyed by Salim Sarang, the president of the board’s waqf unit. The board emphasized that failure to implement this reservation could lead to street protests akin to those witnessed by the Maratha and Dhangar communities. Additionally, the board called for the compulsory inclusion of the Arabic language in Urdu schools.

Salim Sarang underscored the importance of addressing the fundamental needs of the Muslim community, asserting that although the community may not guarantee electoral victories, it holds the potential to influence election outcomes significantly. The demands have been formally communicated to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, but as of now, no response has been received. Despite court approval for a 5 per cent reservation for Muslims in education in Maharashtra, the state government has yet to show interest in its implementation, prompting the All India Ulema and Mashaikh Board to explore avenues for dialogue with various stakeholders.

Highlighting the relevance of Arabic language proficiency in securing jobs in Gulf countries, Salim Sarang advocated for its compulsory inclusion in Urdu medium schools across the state. The encroachment on properties managed by the Waqf Board and the serious issue of madrasa teachers’ salaries were also brought to the forefront. The board expressed its commitment to addressing these challenges and emphasized its intent to follow up on the concerns related to waqf properties and the livelihood of madrasa teachers.