By Team Clarion
MUMBAI — A controversy has emerged in Maharashtra after allegations that Muslim youth are being prevented from applying for a government-supported drone pilot training programme being conducted under the Maharashtra Research, Upliftment and Training (AMRUT) institution.
The issue was raised by Rais Shaikh, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Bhiwandi East, who has accused the authorities of creating an application system that effectively excludes Muslim candidates from participating in the scheme.
According to Shaikh, AMRUT, which functions under Maharashtra’s Department of Other Backward Bahujan Welfare, had invited applications until 30 June for a Drone Pilot Training Programme aimed at candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
The programme is to provide professional training and improve employment opportunities for economically weaker sections of society. However, Shaikh claimed that Muslim applicants are unable to complete the online registration process because of the way the application portal has been designed.
Speaking about the issue, Shaikh said he received hundreds of complaints from young people who attempted to apply for the course.
According to him, applicants are first required to provide details about their religion and caste before proceeding with registration.
He alleged that the portal only offers caste options linked to Hindu communities and does not provide an option for Muslim applicants.
“When a candidate fills out the form, the portal asks for religion and caste details. The available options mainly relate to Hindu castes. Muslim applicants are unable to proceed, and their applications are not being accepted,” Shaikh said.
He further alleged that individuals selecting the “Others” category are automatically treated as ineligible by the system.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.