A high-level committee set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) to find ways to improve the educational status of Muslims has suggested that the University Grants Commission (UGC) develop a Diversity Index — it should map the level of social diversity that institutes of higher education allow on campuses — and link development aid to how representative or diverse these are.

These are among the 43 recommendations of the 13-member committee, headed by Minister of State M A A Fatmi, which submitted its report last month. The Indian Express has obtained papers outlining recommendations of the committee which hopes that the Planning Commission, now in the final stages of fixing allocation for the XI Plan period, takes note.

The committee, the first to be set up by any UPA Ministry as figures of the dismal representation of Muslims in employment and the economy came to light, has steered clear of the debate on reservations for Muslims as a whole, as in its own words, “it is a highly emotional issue, and perceptions differ”. But it makes a case for reconsideration of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950 that allows for reservations as Scheduled Castes for only Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh SCs.

Describing the 46-year-old order “iniquitous”, the committee says that a study into “weaker sections among Muslims”, as is being undertaken by the National Minorities Commission, is necessary to establish causes of continued educational backwardness among large sections of Muslims and what “further action can be taken on it”.

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