Kerala   

"Muslims worst-hit by globalisation"

K.P.M. Basheer

Their products are threatened by cheap imports, says Rajindar Sachar

KOCHI: Muslims are the worst victims of globalisation in India, according to Rajindar Sachar, jurist, human-rights campaigner and head of Prime Minister's high-level committee on the conditions of Muslims.

"A large number of Muslims are artisans and craftsmen," he said in an interview. "Their products are threatened by cheap imports from abroad." The Chinese silk or imported carpets and leather products tend to throw silk weavers in Karnataka or leather-goods makers in Uttar Pradesh and carpet-makers in Kashmir out of job. Also, the foreign direct investment (FDI), facilitated by globalisation, helps to boost mechanisation and automation, which edge human labour out and drastically cut jobs.

Since Muslims' number is very low in the service sector, particularly in Government jobs, they cannot duck the harsh blows of globalisation. They face open competition. He suggests that Muslims be helped to upgrade their skills to meet the onslaughts.

"Globalisation is certainly not good for the country," he said. It is bad for the economy, increases unemployment and hits the poor most. Public-sector companies are thrown out of existence. Globalisation is against a just and equitable society; it thrives on inequities in income and opportunities.

Mr. Sachar, a former chief justice of Delhi High Court and former head of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, feels that there has been a de-escalation of communal tension in the country after the UPA Government came to power. However, the human rights situation continues to be grim. The record of most States on this count is very poor. Police atrocities and custodial torture have not ebbed; slum-dwellers are kicked out of their hutments and tribal people are displaced.

He does not believe that laws could curtail human rights violations. "It's a misconception that Governmental laws could remove rights abuses." Civil society organisations and societal pressure only can curtail such atrocities. "Government can only help supplement civil society efforts."

Mr. Sachar is angry that criminals find refuge in politics. In the past criminalisation of politics was a big national concern. But now, the situation has changed. "It's politicisation of criminals that is taking place," he said.

In the past, unscrupulous politicians made use of criminals for their ends, but now criminals themselves are turning politicians. "Criminals and murderers become MLAs, MPs and Ministers." He cited the example of how Bihar MP Shahabuddin evaded arrest. "In Bihar at least 20 per cent of the politicians are criminals." He pointed out that in West Bengal a Minister evaded arrest for nine long years. The police had listed him as untraceable. "If a criminal becomes an MLA or Minister, the law most often cannot bring him to book."

Mr. Sachar has lost faith in judicial activism. "Judicial activism has gone overboard," he remarked. Judges tend to get involved in trivial issues and routine administrative matters. "It's not the judges' job to make traffic arrangements or increase the number of Amarnath pilgrims," he commented.

Mr. Sachar was in Kochi to take public's views on the social, economic and educational status of Muslims in India. The committee, appointed by the Prime Minister, will present its report in June next. He hopes the committee's report will lead to positive policies and programmes for the improvement of the conditions of Muslims in the country.

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