New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told a group of Muslim MPs, who met him with a demand for reservation for the community, that a broad national
consensus was needed for a decision on the issue.
A 12-member delegation of Muslim MPs, led by Rajya Sabha
Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan, met Singh with a charter of
demands which included early finalisation of the Waqf Bill,
immediate implementation of the Ranganath Mishra Commission
recommendations and early action on Haj reforms.
Interacting with the MPs, Singh assured that his
government was committed to do its best to address the issues
and concerns of Muslims.
Singh assured the members that he would take up the issue
of setting up a separate Parliamentary Standing Committee on
Minority Affairs with the Presiding Officers of the Lok Sabha
and the Rajya Sabha in consultation with the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
While the Waqf Bill would be brought before Parliament in
the ensuing Budget Session, the External Affairs Ministry
would be requested to bring a comprehensive Cabinet note on
Haj reforms within a month, Singh told the MPs.
"The Prime Minister heard and discussed various issues
and assured to look at possible steps that can be taken,"
Minister of State for Railways E Ahamed, who was part of the
delegation, said.
PTI
