Growth Push for Muslims in India

February 8, 2007

Author: Sunil Raman

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6341125.stm

The Indian government has identified 700 towns with substantial Muslim populations to launch focused programmes to improve their lot.

A recent government report shows that Muslims in India are even more disadvantaged than low-caste Hindus.

It says a high rate of unemployment and lack of education has led to a decline in their socio-economic standards.

India and Pakistan have the largest Muslim populations in the world, after Indonesia.

A new confidential report prepared by the Planning Commission, based on data from the census department, says a majority of Muslims live in towns and cities of India.

It says around 700 of India's 5,161 towns have substantial numbers of Muslim residents.