Fazal Pathan

Many students dream of clearing the civil services examinations but those with small means, a majority of whom are from the Muslim community, can't afford coaching and guidance from experts for it.

To address this, the Maharashtra State Minority Officers and Employees Association (MRAAKA) has announced its residential coaching classes for students from minority communities who are preparing for competitive examinations for jobs of admissions in higher learning institutes.

For several years, MRAAKA which is registred as Maharashtra Rajya Alpaksankhyak Adhikari – Karmachari Association. has been undertaking social work and spreading awareness among minorities. In its latest initiative, the organization said its classes will be held in Pune for the academic year 2024–25.

MRAAKA President Haji Jatkar said on the initiative, “The organization was founded by a group of Muslim government employees to contribute to the welfare of the minority community. Initially, we collaborated with Anjuman Islam to organize coaching classes. Since 2021, we have partnered with the Haj Committee for this purpose. Our organization is the first government-recognized institution in the country dedicated to working for the upliftment of the minority community.”

He further added, “Students from minority communities, particularly Muslims, face challenges in pursuing higher education. We provide them with hostel facilities, study centers, and financial assistance through scholarships.”

Highlighting the purpose of the initiative, Haji Jatkar said, “While other communities have access to competitive exam academies, there isn’t a single academy of this kind for minority communities in the state. If students from minority communities are given access to quality institutions and proper guidance, they can significantly contribute to the development of society and the nation. It is fulfilling to see our organization providing a platform for minority students to claim their rightful opportunities.”

Asir Sheikh, Assistant State Tax Commissioner and a member of MRAAKA, said, “The challenges faced by minority communities are often discussed, but concrete actions to address them are rare. Bringing minority students into administrative roles is essential for the community’s growth. That’s why our organization has launched this residential coaching program to guide students and help them enter the administrative system,” he said.

He noted, “So far, we have completed two batches of residential coaching classes. Only a limited number of students are selected through a rigorous admission process. Of these, 13 students have successfully cleared competitive exams and secured postings.”

At present applications for the 2024–25 residential coaching classes in Pune are being accepted by MRAAKA. The last date for submission is January 9, 2025. Applicants' records related to state service exams will be reviewed. Following the scrutiny, 100 students will be shortlisted for interviews, and 25 will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates who have cleared the preliminary or main state service exams in the past. Additionally, applicants will need to provide caste verification certificates as per government reservation policies.

Any graduate from a minority community who has appeared for the state service preliminary exam and demonstrates potential to succeed can apply. The program is open to motivated students from all branches of study.

The organization works for the welfare of minority employees and aims to increase the literacy rate and overall development of minority communities. It also plans to establish separate libraries for Hindi and Marathi to promote the development of these languages.

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Additionally, with the support of central and state governments, MRAAKA encourages sports by providing scholarships and other incentives to athletes from minority communities.