Will the Waqf Board-model correction be made in Planning Board too?

Major backward community organizations and leaders of Keralam wrote an open letter to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan the other day protesting the neglect of communal and gender representation in the appointment of Planning Board members in the state. The letter reflects the disappointment and pain at the loss of the basic right to adequate representation of all communities in administrative positions and  in appointments to various institutions such as university councils, cultural institutions, statutory boards, commissions, corporations, and autonomous bodies. While it is undeniable that the new members of the Planning Board are eminently qualified and capable, the fact remains that communal and gender bias has occurred in the appointment. It is not surprising that even in Keralam, which considers itself a society vigilant about social justice, marginalized groups still have to remain outside the positions of power in statutory boards and councils, which act as the policy-making forums. Principles of social justice and women's representation are not factors that should be undermined by different political considerations.

There is a grouse that SC-ST, OBC and women are denied due representation in such bodies that determine the direction of development. But portraying this complaint as a dispute about winning positions is itself tantamount to denial of justice. Administrators and political leadership need to treat such questions as a democratic enquiry into whether constitutional rights are actually being implemented. The 'negligence' in the appointment of Planning Board members proves that such questions are essential to gain political enlightenment that provides representation to historically and socially marginalized communities and regions in boards that play a crucial role in determining the state's economic status and sharing resources.

Why is social balance becoming a totally forgotten consideration when nominating professionals or experts to academic committees, advisory committees and statutory boards, even while constitutional reservation principles are followed in the state in the matter of government jobs and  legislative assembly? The special vigilance of rulers with a will is not sufficient to overcome the social privileges that occur as a matter of course. Rather, this 'forgetfulness' of the state government points to the fact that legal reservation and social diversity are also essential. While choosing experts in academic realm too, the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Council (TNSCHE) model is a must in Keralam too, to ensure representation of sections such as SC/ST, backward and minorities.

The history of neglect suffered by Malabar, the hilly and coastal regions in Keralam's development map is more than sufficient to demonstrate that if the voices of the lower strata of society are not heard in policy formulation, it will adversely affect the very nature of the development projects being implemented. The ruling party leadership, including Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, has a special responsibility to implement the representational politics put forward by Rahul Gandhi's national leadership on the soil of Kerala, rather than keeping it as a mere slogan. They should not forget during situations of power-sharing that the Congress' return to power was made possible as a dissent note for forgetting and denying such political representations. The inclusive approach adopted by the Chief Minister and the Muslim League in the dispute regarding representation in the Waqf Board appointments is laudable. The stance of the Dakshina Kerala Jamiatul Ulama and its General Secretary Thodiyur Muhammed Kunji Moulavi, who declared that community unity and social welfare are more important than positions deserved, sends a great message to all community and political leaders in Kerala. The vigilance and intervention shown currently by the Chief Minister in the appointments of crucial institutions from the Planning Board to the Higher Education Council should also be displayed in giving the marginalized a deserved place. The first step towards real development and the beauty of democracy can be realized only by ensuring the participation of those denied justice. It is hoped therefore that the reforms in the Waqf Board will be replicated in the Planning Board as well.