Mudda panellists feel if the UP government is really serious, it can issue a circular regarding reservation of seats for Dalit students in AMU and Jamia
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has raised the demand for reservation for Dalits in minority-run institutions like Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi. Is this a populist move as political parties gear up for general elections in 2019? APN’s popular debate Mudda discussed the issue with panellists including BJP’s Harish Shrivastava, SP’s Manoj Yadav, educationist Dr Vishwanath Mishra, Dalit leader Dr Lalji Nirmal, Muslim leader Ajmal Khan and APN consultant Govind Pant Raju.
Anchorperson Anant Tyagi posed the first question to Khan who said: “To say at this stage that AMU and Jamia Milia universities should have quota looks surprising… these are minority institutions. These come under the centre. Why is Yogi raising the issue in public?”
Shrivastava said: “What’s wrong with raising the issue in the public domain? Yogi is a public figure after all.”
Mishra said: ”Reservation is an emotive issue in a poll environment. I agree with Khan that if Yogi wants to introduce quota, he can discuss with the PM, why raise it in public?”
Yadav said: “Yogi had promised that he will make 10 universities for Dalits. He has been unable to do so, which is why he is now talking of reservation in AMU and Jamia Millia. This government should show action and not make empty promises.”
Dr Nirmal said: “Quota ensures adequate representation, and goes a long way in economically lifting up the backward sections.”
Raju said: “Yogi’s statement is politically motivated.”
Dr Nirmal said:”No problem in getting quota in AMU.”
Dr Mishra said: “This is an attempt at Hinduisation of Dalits for political gain.”
Yadav said: ”Even if this government ensures quota in both these universities, there are many such promises made for Dalits. This is only a political stunt to make a show to catch a particular vote bank.”
Shrivastava said: “It is our aim to ensure equality. AMU’s minority status is under consideration by the courts. “
Khan said: “Giving quota is the government’s job. They should issue a circular if they are really serious about giving reservation. The fact is that it is only meant to widen Hindu-Muslim divide.”
Shrivastava said: “How the government gets it done, the process etc will be seen by the government when the time comes.”
Raju said: “If the government is serious about getting the work done, then it doesn’t waste time on talk. The way the issue is raised, looks like the government is not really serious about it. No change in the Dalits’ lot can be expected from speeches of this kind.”
Khan said:”The HRD ministry issues a circular to change varsity laws. If the Modi government wants to issue a circular, it can easily do that. I can’t understand the remark. After all, the public is not going to introduce quota. “
Shrivastava said: “Yogi was thinking of uplifting the Dalits, he was concerned about the education of Dalit kids.”
Raju said:”If the government is honest, a circular will be issued.”
Yadav said: “As opposition party, it is our job to remind the government not to be failing on its poll promises.”
—Compiled by Niti Singh Bhandari