Over the years, concerns have been raised over the backwardness of the Muslims all over the country. In this social justice campaign, some states like Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have taken measures under constitutional provisions for the well-being of the Muslims. There are demands for increase in the quota for the Muslims in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, there is demand for adequate implementation of the quota system as thousands of reserved posts are lying vacant. In Manipur also there are demands for some sort of protective system for the Muslims. Most of the political parties have echoed their concerns over the plight of the Muslims in many sectors of public life. In the last Assembly elections of Andhra Pradesh, most of the parties excluding the Left and the BJP, promised reservation for the Muslims on the basis of backwardness factor. There was difference of percentage among the parties.

After coming to power in 2004, the Congress government reserved 5% seats for the Muslims in educational institutions and state jobs on the basis of the recommendations of first Commissionerate of Minority Affairs and later by the Andhra Pradesh Commission for backward Classes which had made extensive survey on identifying the Muslim community as socially, educationally, and educationally backward class of citizens. It is however, sad to note that such a measure was defeated in the state High Court and withdrawn from the Supreme Court of India. On the other hand, it is important to note that political parties are taking the issue of tackling the backwardness of the Muslims at constitutional and policy levels. In fact they seem to be inspired by the “Objectives Resolution” of the Constituent Assembly of India which was adopted on 22 January 1947. Its 6th Point says very clearly: “Wherein adequate safeguards shall be provided for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes”.