By Neelam Rahim

A recent report says nine out of 10 Muslim workers in India earn their livelihood in the informal economy. The 2020 study by the Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy and the Institute of Social Studies Trust found that more Muslim women are engaged in the informal sector than women from any other religion in India.

India’s domestic workers generally face rampant caste-based discrimination and even violence. Employers often restrict workers’ access to kitchens, washrooms, elevators, and even their places of worship. There are separate utensils for the workers to eat with.

But Muslim workers face further marginalisation due to their religious identity.

In discussion with Radio Islam International is Resident Editor, The Asian Age of Delhi, Suparna Sharma.

Suparna says discrimination toward women in the informal sector has worsened since 2014. This comes after the BJP party government, which beliefs in the Hindu majority in rule, came to power.

She said they had consistently targeted Muslims for everything, including their food, who they pray to, where they pray, and what they wear.

She added that fundamentalist Hindus who believe that India is the land of Hindus think Muslims are outsiders who invaded and are now staying in India.

The difference between the situation earlier and now. Starting from the BJP rule, the earlier empowered government did not encourage, fan or support this divide amongst citizens.

The politics constantly feeds on generating hate for the Muslims.

According to Suparna, India’s constitution states that India is a circular country, and discrimination of any kind cannot be tolerated.

“We have to vote according to that. We must not vote a government who divides based on religion into power.”

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.