MLA advocates 4% reservation for Muslims in govt contracts

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka is considering a proposal to allocate a four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts and tenders. To facilitate the implementation of this policy, discussions are underway regarding an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act. Rizwan Arshad, a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from the Shivaji Nagar constituency, has voiced his endorsement of this initiative.

He expressed his belief that this measure will promote social inclusivity and create essential opportunities for communities that have historically been underrepresented. "Our government believes in social inclusivity. The contracting business is largely dominated by major communities that have historically held social and economic privilege. As a result, many sections of society, particularly Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, and minorities, have been left out of these opportunities," said Arshad.

The Congress government has previously taken steps to empower marginalised communities. From 2013 to 2018, the state introduced reservations for small contractors from SC/ST communities in projects up to Rs 50 lakh. Upon returning to power, the government extended this provision to Rs 1 crore and included Other Backward Classes as well.

Pointing out that minorities, particularly Muslim contractors, have raised concerns about being left out of such affirmative action policies, Arshad said, "We presented this issue before the Chief Minister, highlighting that while SC/ST and backward communities have been accommodated, minorities should also be considered. The CM has taken our request positively, and we hope that the government will act on it soon." Emphasising the potential impact of the policy, he said, "The contracting business is massive, but its representation from SC/STs, OBCs, and minority communities is minimal. If this reservation is implemented, it will provide a stepping stone for smaller contractors from these communities to eventually grow as larger players in the sector. It won’t be an overnight change, but it is a necessary step toward progress."

With the bill under consideration, Arshad remains hopeful that the government will take the necessary steps to ensure equitable opportunities in the contracting sector. "If small-time contractors belonging to the minority community also get reserved works in small-scale contracts, it will help ensure fairness and economic upliftment for all communities," he added.