A Discussion on the Sudhir Commission Report

Date and Time: 23 May 2024 [4:00 PM to 6:00 PM]
Location: CDPP Office, 3rd Floor, Masab Tank, Hyderabad.
Purpose: To have an in-depth discussion on the Sudhir Commission Report that investigated the socio-economic and educational conditions of Muslims in Telangana State

Attendees:

1. Mr. G. Sudhir
2. Dr. Venkat Narayan
3. Prof. Amitabh Kundu
4. Other participants from diverse backgrounds

1. Introduction:

1. Discussed the recent report of the Sudhir Commission and the book on Muslims of Telangana.
2. CDPP was started to replicate the efforts made by IAS (retd) Sudhir sir and launched CDPP under his guidance.
3. Highlighted the issue of diluted citizenship for Muslims as per the Sudhir Commission report.
4. Introduced the Citizenship series books that defined and emphasized the importance of citizenship.
5. Discussed other CDPP Publications such as the study on why Hyderabad is the gradually becoming the IT capital of India, compared to cities like Calcutta or Pune.
6. Mentioned research on the development of agriculture in Telangana, cross-border diseases (COVID-19) for WHO in 2020, infrastructural development for GMR, and gender inequality focusing on Muslim women and low female workforce participation.

2. Presentation by Mr. Sudhir:

1. Reasons for Establishment:
   1. The Commission of Enquiry was established to study the conditions of Muslims in Telangana.
   2. Aimed to uplift and enhance reservations for socially and economically backward (E class) Muslims.
   3. Commission responsibilities included data gathering, making suggestions for Muslim upliftment in Telangana, and studying Christians in the region.
2. Methodology:
   1. Followed systems by the Sachar committee.
   2. Conducted a large-scale public consultancy, including public hearings, and surveyed over 8000 families (half being Muslims).
   3. Data indicated underrepresentation of Muslims in the service sector (7% compared to 12% population).
   4. Findings and recommendations presented in the main report of August 2016.
3. Recommendations:
   1. Evaluated organizations on diversity to promote equal opportunities.
   2. Suggested affirmative actions for better education, health, skill development, women’s facilities, and improved access to institutional finance.

3. Insights by Dr. Venkat Narayan:

1. Comparative Analysis:
   1. Compared Muslims in Telangana with Muslims across India using about 22-25 papers sourced from Census, NSS, etc.
   2. Critiqued the outdated 2011 Census data.
   3. Findings highlighted myths regarding higher fertility rates and birth rates among Muslims, which were disproved by NFHS data.
2. Observations:
   1. 70% of Muslims in urban areas, with significant poverty despite high urban concentration.
   2. Gaps in education and healthcare access, lower per capita income, and lower asset value among Muslims.
   3. High disparity in availing credit facilities due to lower collateral, despite similar bank account ownership across communities.
   4. Muslims have the highest risk of poverty, with significant housing issues impacting education and overall quality of life.

4. Comments by Prof. Kundu:

1. Criticized the then government's lack of seriousness regarding reservations for Muslims.
2. Highlighted that the Sudhir committee suggested 9-12% reservations, which were not considered by the government or courts.

5. Q&A Session:

1. Discussion Points:
   1. Addressed financial systems and self-help groups' requirements for home ownership.
   2. Clarified differences between recommendations for equal consideration and reservations.
   3. Discussed the social and economic criteria for recognizing Muslim OBCs.
   4. Highlighted the inadequacy of government institutions for education and healthcare.
   5. Examined changes in employment post-Urdu language removal as the official language.
2. Health Indicators:
   1. Muslims only fare better in health indicators, possibly due to better nutrition and access to government facilities. However, the people’s shift to private hospitals was noted.

6. Conclusion:

1. Emphasized the importance of empirical data and sub-national level studies.
2. Reiterated the significant issues faced by Muslims, particularly in housing and financial stability.
3. Highlighted the major contribution of the Sudhir Commission in identifying sub-state disparities and providing a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in Telangana.