ABSTRACT
Employment generates a feeling of self-worth in the economic activity and generates respect for the individual in society. It reduces poverty and inequality. As per the Sachar Committee Report, Muslims are mostly employed in small businesses and in unorganized sector of the economy which rarely enjoys protection of any kind. Worker Population Ratios/Rates of Urban Muslim males in both categories are higher than the national average which indicates higher participation in economic activity especially in self-employment and home-based industries. Almost 90 per cent of the power-loom owners and workers are Muslims. Since 1980s, Muslims in large number have been rushing to the Gulf countries in search of employment to make their ‘career’ and secure ‘livelihood’. Majority of them include less educated and unskilled workers. Viewing unemployment among local citizens as a ‘long-term strategic challenge that needs to be corrected effectively’, it has introduced the Nitaqat law.
