Syed Ali Mujtaba / Chennai
Muslims in Tamil Nadu who have converted from other religions to Islam are not considered for reservation in the jobs offered by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC).
Talking about it M.H. Jawahirullah, MLA and member of the Manithaneeya Makkal Katchi described that persons who have converted to Islam are unable to register themselves as Backward Class Muslims and are put in the ‘Others’ category for government jobs offered by the TNPSC.
M.H. Jawahirullah said the ‘Converted Muslim’ gets a pop-up message, citing an order of the government that they would be considered only as ‘Others’ category. Whereas there is no such demarcation for the converted Christians and they continue to enjoy the fruits of reservation even after their conversion, M.H. Jawahirullah said.
The MMK Leader cited several judgments on the converted Muslim’s status that say there is no change of caste or class after conversion. M.H. Jawahirullah said he has brought the matter before the attention of the Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan and asked him that the Muslim converts should be considered for reservation at the TNPSC.
In response, Tamil Nadu, Finance Minister, Thiagarajan admitted that this is an anomaly that should be rectified. He said that he has referred this matter to the TNPSC which is an autonomous body and awaiting its response.
Further, he said he may take up this matter with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and see to it that it is justifiably resolved in favor of Muslims.