As the PM’s high-level Sachar Committee looking into the status of Muslims prepares to submit its report later this month, the seniormost member of the committee, Saiyid Hamid, has said that the keys to improving the abysmal literacy level in the community lie as much with the Government as with the Muslim community and its leadership.

“The most important thing is to improve the health of those institutions where Muslims go and which are managed by Muslims,” Hamid, Chancellor of Hamdard University, and former Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, told The Indian Express. His views assume significance given the ongoing debate in the committee — and outside — on a possible prescription for the severe under-representation of the community in all sectors.

As reported in this newspaper last week, there is a divide in the committee on this. A view shared by very few in the committee is that reservation could be the answer but the majority feels that reservation would be a red rag, making more noise than helping Muslims. They are in favour of a wider approach, involving creation of opportunities, enabling them to get educated and be able to compete.

Hamid emphasises the need to focus on education as in his opinion, it’s the only real way out. He said there is an unfortunate trend of the standard of Muslims being low in mathematics, science and engineering. “The NCERT used to organise workshops and refreshers for Muslim-managed schools but that scheme lapsed. This needs to be revived, as does the training of bright teachers. I have met the Director of National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, who has agreed to start a course for Muslim teachers.” “While planning for education,” says Hamid, “don’t lose sight of the fact that what is required at homes of successful school going children is awareness amongst parents and their support. These aren’t there in most poor Muslim homes.”

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