Intellectuals from the community call on the Hemant Soren-led government to grant a five percent job quota, highlighting severe underrepresentation
NEW DELHI – Amid growing concerns over discrimination and exclusion, Muslim intellectuals in Jharkhand have raised their voice for a five percent reservation in government jobs for the community, citing long-standing socio-economic backwardness despite being the state’s second largest population group.
Muslim thinkers and rights activists have stated that although the community has stood firmly with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and supported Chief Minister Hemant Soren in both elections, they are yet to see any meaningful benefit. Now, they say, the time has come for action, not just promises.
“There are more than seven districts where Muslims live in significant numbers, yet we are almost invisible in government jobs,” said Prof Sirajuddin, a prominent academic based in Ranchi. “We are not even one percent of the government workforce, despite being nearly 15 percent of the population. Is this justice?
Muslim leaders and social workers point out that their community played a key role in the electoral success of Hemant Soren and the ruling alliance. Many now feel betrayed.
“We helped Mr Soren become chief minister twice. But we are still asking for the same basic rights — education, employment, and social equality,” said Saba Khatoon, a rights activist in Dhanbad. “If tribals have been given government support, why are we being left behind?”
They say the comparison is not to reduce the rights of others, but to demand a fair share for Muslims too, who have also contributed to the creation and development of Jharkhand.
“The tribals got land rights, jobs, and local power after the state was formed. What have Muslims got in return for their support and sacrifices?” asked Advocate Rahmat Ali, a member of the Jharkhand Minority Welfare Forum.
The demand for Muslim reservation comes in the wake of similar moves in Karnataka, where the state government gave five percent reservation to Muslims in the OBC category. Muslim activists in Jharkhand see this as a model the state can follow.
“In Karnataka, Muslims were given five percent reservation because their backwardness was recognised,” said Dr Khalid Anwar, a researcher in social policy. “The BJP government in Maharashtra removed the quota that earlier existed for Muslims. If Jharkhand wants to show it is different, it must restore justice.”
According to Muslim leaders, the removal of Muslim reservations in BJP-ruled states has worsened the condition of Muslim youth who depend on public employment. They say that without inclusion in the job system, many young Muslims are being pushed to the margins.
“This is not about politics. This is about survival,” said Nusrat Hussain, a college student from Hazaribagh. “Why should we always be behind, despite working hard and scoring well in exams? Why is there no support for us?
Data from unofficial surveys and local community groups suggest that Muslims in Jharkhand hold less than one percent of government jobs, including teaching posts, police services, and administration.
“We are missing from every important post — from the district collector’s office to the local police station,” said Mohammad Saleem, a retired teacher from Jamshedpur. “This is not a small issue. It reflects a deep policy failure.”
He added, “When we go to offices, people ask if we are lost. That’s how absent we are in public services.”
The absence of data-based inclusion, the activists argue, is a sign of both neglect and discrimination. They say that while Muslims are counted during elections, they are forgotten during policy-making.
With local body elections scheduled in Jharkhand later this year, the demand for Muslim reservation has become a major issue in several districts. Community leaders say this is the right time for the government to act.
“We are not asking for favours. We are asking for our right,” said Maulana Arshad Qasmi, a religious scholar from Deoghar. “The government must accept the truth that Muslims in Jharkhand are backward and need help.”
He added that the Constitution allows affirmative action for backward groups, and there is no law preventing Muslims from being included in such policies.
Activists have also announced plans to submit memoranda to government officials and conduct peaceful protests if their demands are not met.
“We will go to every block and district office if needed,” said Najma Bano, a schoolteacher in Giridih. “We are not going to remain silent anymore.”
Many senior community members say this is not the first time Muslims have been used for votes and ignored after elections.
“Every election, political leaders come to our mosques, promise jobs and schools, and then vanish,” said Haji Muneer Ahmad, a trader from Bokaro. “We have had enough of these lies.”
Others echoed similar concerns and said the state should avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
“It’s not only about jobs. It’s also about dignity,” said Fatima Sultana, a university lecturer. “If you keep ignoring a population of 50 lakh people, what message are you sending?”
Muslim groups reminded the government of the role the community played during the movement for a separate Jharkhand. From protests to meetings, many Muslim leaders were actively involved in shaping the state’s identity.
“Like Adivasis, Muslims also shed sweat and blood for this state,” said Qari Rashid, a local leader in Dumka. “Now it’s time to recognise that sacrifice.”
Several organisations have also joined hands to create a common front, aiming to press the government on the issue.
“We will keep raising our voice peacefully, but we will not be silent anymore,” said Shadab Alam, a youth leader from Ramgarh. “It’s a matter of our future.”
As the voices grow stronger and the elections approach, the Hemant Soren government finds itself at a crossroads. Will it take a bold step to include Muslims in the mainstream through reservation? Or will it continue the old pattern of promises without change?
For now, the Muslim community in Jharkhand has made its stand clear: they are demanding justice, opportunity, and equality, not charity.
“Five percent is not a big number,” said Dr Arif Khan, a retired professor. “But for our youth, it can mean hope.”
