Economic developments of Indian Muslims: issues and problems

The minority Muslim population in India suffers economic plight but has a possible path to development. Obstacles facing them include continued communal violence between the majority Hindus and the minority Muslims, job discrimination, suppression of minority languages (particularly Urdu), and accusations of foreign loyalties. A survey by J.S. Bandukwala in the late 1970s showed that Muslims have a lower per capita income, higher incidence of poverty, and lower level of education than scheduled caste Hindus. A solution would require: steadfastness in religion, culture, and morality; the pursuit of excellence; self help and cooperative efforts; development of and a rise in vocational education; and enlightened leadership.