Lucknow: To discuss the social, educational, economic and political challenges faced by the Pasmanda community, a national policy workshop was organised by the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. The event was attended by social activists, academics, community leaders, lawyers, journalists, youth representatives and delegates from several states.
The participants proposed strengthening the organisation’s structure through greater grassroots outreach, the creation of youth and women’s wings, and an expanded membership drive.
Education and social reform featured prominently in the discussions. Participants emphasised the effective implementation of the Right to Education Act, wider access to educational opportunities for disadvantaged groups, the modernisation of madrassa education, and campaigns against dowry and caste discrimination. Measures to promote skill development, entrepreneurship and self-employment among youth were also discussed.
The workshop also highlighted the need for greater political participation and representation of Pasmanda Muslims in local bodies, state legislatures and Parliament. Participants urged political parties to provide more opportunities to Pasmanda candidates.
Among the key demands raised were the publication of the Justice KG Balakrishnan Commission report, a separate socio-economic caste census of Pasmanda communities, sub-categorisation within OBC categories, the creation of a Pasmanda Commission, and increased representation in minority institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Mahaz national working president Shariq Adeeb Ansari said that greater awareness, stronger organisation and increased youth participation would strengthen the community’s social and political empowerment.
