STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has given all clearance for the setting up of a separate directorate for the indigenous Muslims of the state. The proposed directorate now awaits the approval of the Cabinet.
In July last year, the State Cabinet recognized the Goriya, Moriya, Deshi, Jalha, and Syed as indigenous Muslims, numbering around 42 lakh in the state. In the absence of any separate identity for the indigenous Muslims of the state, in all schemes benefiting minorities in the state, Muslim immigrants from erstwhile East Bengal avail themselves of the lion's share at the expense of the local Muslims.
In 2021, the state government did form six committees to find out the socio-economic status of the indigenous Muslims and submit reports to the government. Giving indigenous status was one of the demands of the reports submitted by the six committees.
The chairman of one of the committees, senior advocate Nekibur Zaman, said, "A few days ago we had a discussion with the Chief Minister on the recommendations and demands of the sub-committees. The Chief Minister instructed the authorities concerned to start preparations for the establishment of a separate directorate for the indigenous Muslims of the state. I keep my hope alive that the Cabinet will approve this proposal at its meeting tomorrow."
According to sources, the indigenous tag for the five Muslim communities and the separate directorate for them will ensure their development in health, cultural identity, education, financial inclusion, skill development, and women's empowerment.
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