Resolutions Adopted

The Seminar on Social Empowerment of Muslims in India (held in Calcutta on 20 November, 1999) views with alarm that ... the Muslims (are) in a statement of persistent downward mobility. That the systematic immobility of such a large segment of our population ... is ultimately bound to have a devastating effect on the socio-economic life of the country and the nation as a whole.

That a feeling of psycho-social subordination or subservience resulting from a situation of disempower- ment of the Muslim minority will.not only cripple the community and make the society semi-paralytic, but will also deflect our society from the path of democracy leading it towards fascism and authoritarianism.

In view of these it is resolved:

1. That the provisions of our Constitution relating to the rights of the minorities be implemented.

2.That ... in all measures for the upliftment of the Muslim minority building self-esteem, self-confidence and the spirit of healthy competition among them should be the guiding principle.

3. To bridge the yawning socio-economic gap between Muslims and other countrymen ... reservations in job and educational institutions be provided by the state until such time as they catch up with the rest of the population.

4. That steps be taken for due and proportionate representation of the Muslim minority in state and central legislatures.

5. That steps be taken by the state for educational advancement of the Muslims and impediments to their self-endeavour for the purpose, be removed ...

6. That measures be initiated by the state to facilitate better housing conditions ... particularly in the urban areas.

7. That measures be taken to (protect the) self-employed and unorganized craftsmen ... from exploitation.