As the riots in Gujarat elicited widespread criticism, the National Commission for Minorities remained in the forefront in voicing its concern about the plight of Muslims.

But NCM Chairman Justice Mohammed Shamim says an attempt should be made from within the minority community, primarily from its leadership, to usher a progressive change. Pointing to the Muslims' backwardness in education, he suggests that India's reputation as a liberal democratic nation will continue to be impaired until this shortcoming is removed.

Excerpts from an interview with Tara Shankar Sahay:

Were you satisfied with your meeting with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee concerning the riots in Gujarat?

Yes, we were satisfied. We brought to the prime minister's notice certain remedial measures, which had to be taken in Gujarat to provide succour to the victims.

Media reports said these remedial measures were inadequate and disbursed on communal lines.

See, the job of the commission is simply to suggest measures, which it feels will provide relief and rehabilitation. It is up to the government to implement them or not implement them. We only have recommendatory powers and our suggestions are not binding on the government.

There is a tendency on the part of governments to ignore suggestions that do not suit them. In such a case, can the commission resort to judicial redress?

No, the commission has no judicial powers. In the act (pertaining to the NCM), our suggestions are recommendatory in nature.

But the compensation for riot victims, especially for Muslims, has been far from satisfactory.

What we can do is suggest or recommend. The NCM recommended a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the riots. Now it is up to the government. I think it has given Rs 50,000.

Why did the commission postpone its Gujarat visit?

Our vice-chairman (Tarlochan Singh) has already pointed out that since curfew is still prevalent in parts of the state, people are finding it difficult to come out. So we thought that in view of the restrictions, the climate was not right for our visit. And we were approached by certain persons to postpone our visit.

The army chief, General S Padmanabhan, has said that the army deployed in Gujarat should be withdrawn. Also, Defence Minister George Fernandes visited the state. Does that mean the situation has improved?

That is up to the minister and the general to make their views. We have absolutely nothing to say.

The Muslims students in Gujarat are not appearing for their high-school examinations on grounds of insecurity. This is a serious matter.

A letter has been received by the commission from the Gujarat chief minister in which he has assured that there is full safety and security for Muslim students. Buses have been arranged to ferry the students to the centres.

BJP spokesman Sunil Shastri recently said that the human rights and minority organisations keep recommending measures. Since he hinted that it was not obligatory for the government to implement them, does not the NCM seem to lack teeth in a tragedy like Gujarat?

This commission is a statutory body. It was given statutory recognition in 1992. Our recommendations are neither a verdict nor a judgment.

So despite its good intentions, the NCM is a toothless tiger?

We have to do our job within the ambit of our brief.

How would you describe the state of minorities in India under this government?

(Laughs) As far as the progress of a particular community is concerned, it cannot come from outside. Something has to be done by the community itself. We have to improve the standard of education, we have to improve what a particular (minority) community lacks. More schools have to be opened and the students and their parents have to be told that education is a must.

Do you think Muslim leaders made sufficient efforts for the education of their community members?

In fact, there is a dearth of leadership among Muslims. Muslims -- economically, socially, educationally -- have not come out as equals with their other brothers in the country. They are lagging far behind, they are poverty-stricken.

What can this be attributed to?

You see, ours is a democratic country. If somebody wants to study there is no dearth of facilities. If he can successfully compete in examinations, he can become an administrator, a doctor, engineer, lawyer.

The opportunities are there. The Muslims have to realise that since they are lagging behind their other brothers, they have to make cogent efforts to improve their lot. This realisation has to come. But it is also the duty of other communities, including the majority community, to ensure that their Muslim compatriots come out of the dire straits.

The Muslims should march at a galloping pace to catch up with their brothers. They must enjoy the blessings of education. Only then will they see the light.

Design: Dominic Xavier

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