The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has strongly supported the Assam Assembly’s decision to end the two-hour leave granted on Fridays for namaz. National Convener Shahid Sayeed stated that this decision is a crucial step in strengthening the secular and progressive values of the nation. He emphasized that the principle of “Work is Worship” applies equally to people of all religions, and granting special privileges on religious grounds in government functions could promote inequality.
Historical Context and Support for Secularism
The practice of allowing leave for namaz, initiated by Syed Saadullah of the Muslim League in 1937, was intended to cater specifically to Muslims. However, the MRM argues that if this practice were so essential, it would have been implemented in all assemblies and the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) across the country, not just in Assam. On the contrary, no government, including those of parties known for seeking the Muslim vote bank, such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, etc., felt the need to adopt such a rule.
Support for Secularism and Equality
The MRM states that the Assam government’s decision is a significant step towards reinforcing the secular values of the country. Shahid Sayeed remarked that this decision ensures that secularism and fairness are maintained in government functions. He further noted that if followers of every religion started demanding leave for their respective prayers, it would not only impact workplace productivity but could also foster a sense of inequality in society.
Support for National Unity and Integrity
Shahid Sayeed also stated that those who oppose such decisions are narrow-minded individuals who attempt to create divisions and tensions in society. The MRM believes that these people spread negativity and endanger the unity and integrity of the nation. Hence, the MRM has expressed its gratitude to the Assam government for this decision, which promotes the principles of secularism and equality in the country.
Importance of Discipline and Responsibility in the Workplace
The MRM highlighted several examples to illustrate the importance of fulfilling duties during public service:
1. Emergency Service Workers: Doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers, who provide services in life-and-death situations, cannot abandon their duties at any time, regardless of any religious rituals. Their primary objective is to save lives, and thus, their services should not be interrupted.
2. Police and Fire Brigade Officers: In the event of a disaster or accident, police and fire brigade officers respond immediately. It is not feasible for them to leave their duties to attend religious prayers. Their primary duty is to ensure public safety.
3. Air Traffic Controllers: The work of an air traffic controller demands utmost attention and alertness. If they abandon their duties, it could pose a significant threat to air safety. Therefore, they must always remain vigilant at their workplace.
4. Train Drivers and Station Masters: Train drivers and station masters, responsible for passenger safety and smooth train operations, cannot leave their posts for any reason during their duty. Train operations must be timely and safe, and their full attention is required on duty.
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5. Electricity and Water Supply Workers: Employees involved in electricity and water supply, especially during emergencies, must provide services promptly. Their work demands continuity and readiness, and they cannot be absent from duty for religious or other personal reasons.
6. Airplane Pilots: When a pilot is flying an aircraft, they are fulfilling their duty and responsible for the safety of the plane. They cannot leave the aircraft mid-air to attend namaz or any other religious ritual.
These examples demonstrate that when it comes to public service and responsibility, religion and personal beliefs should be set aside, and the focus should solely be on duty. The Assam Assembly’s decision is based on this principle, emphasizing that during work hours in public workplaces, the focus should only be on the job at hand.
Finally, the MRM praised the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for this decision, which is a significant step toward enhancing the assembly’s productivity and ending colonial practices. This decision will also help uphold the secular and equality values of the nation.
