Challenges of Muslims in Contemporary India

Abstract

Despite their significant presence, Muslims in India have never enjoyed the fruits of democracy in proportion to their share of population (in terms of their democratic representation, share in government employment and inclusion in decision-making processes) like other religious groups. The Sachar Committee report (GoI, Government of India, High-Level Committee on Social, Economic and Educational Status of the Muslim Community in India, (Sachar Committee), Cabinet Committee, Government of India, New Delhi, 2006) highlighted the plight of the Muslim community in India. Widespread illiteracy, low income, irregular employment, high incidence of poverty, so on and so forth, reflect the poor socio-economic condition of Indian Muslims. The Indian Muslims’ ability to feel physically and emotionally safe and their equal progress with another mainstream society are a test for the country’s democracy. This chapter deals with the aspects of security, employment, urban housing and political representation of Indian Muslims. It is argued that a complex configuration of Indo-Islamic identity seems to determine the aspirations, anxieties and expectations of a highly diversified Muslim community of India and that of Muslims in Telangana State.