The results of the latest UPSC Civil Services Examination have once again brought to light a glaring anomaly — the chronic under-representation of Muslims among those who qualify. Out of 1,009 successful candidates, only 26 are Muslims, accounting for a mere 2.5 per cent. This is starkly disproportionate to their 14.2 per cent share of the national population, as per the last census.

This is not an isolated occurrence. Year after year, the figures fluctuate between a low of 2.5 per cent and a modest 5 per cent, with 2021 being a relative high point when 51 Muslims made the cut. The trend is troubling, not just for the community but for the nation at large, which aspires to be inclusive and representative in every sphere.

It........

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