While congratulations were pouring in for the successful candidates in India’s Public Service examination, concern was being expressed at the low number of Muslim recruits.
Muslims make up just five per cent of the new intake, while comprising 15 per cent of the population.
However, the number of Muslim candidates that made the grade, 42, is up from 28 last year.
Safna Nazarudeen (pictured) from Kerala was the highest-ranked Muslim candidate at 45 and the only one among the top 100.
Zafar Mahmood of the Zakat Foundation, which grooms Muslim candidates for the examination, insisted the five per cent figure was “a big feat”.
“Since independence in 1947 the average has been only 2.5 per cent,” Mr Mahmood said.
“However, considering the total percentage of Muslims in India is 15 per cent, we have to make three times the effort to bring the representation up,” he said.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said an “exciting and satisfying career in the Public Service” awaited the new recruits.
“For those youngsters who did not get the desired result, I would like to tell them — life is full of several opportunities. Each and every one of you is hardworking and diligent. Best wishes for all your future endeavours,” Mr Modi said.
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter to congratulate the candidates.
“New India has high expectations from you. I have full faith that all of you will make a significant contribution to the development and public welfare of the country with full dedication and hard work,” Mr Adityanath said.
New Delhi, 7 August 2020
