They demand strict action against the company which had rejected Zeshan’s job application.
Muslim youth condemns the diamond export company’s decision to deny employment to Zeshan Ali Khan as he belonged to Muslim religion. According to them companies can’t reject a candidates’ application just because he belongs to a particular religion. They also added that as per Indian constitution a person can follow any religion and declining a job application only will result into discrimination. Zeshan Ali Khan had forwarded a job application to Hare Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd. After sending his resume he received a reply which mentioned
“Thanks for your application. We regret to inform you that we hire only non-Muslim candidates.”
Zeshan was shocked after receiving the reply to the mail sent by him. He then posted a screen shot of the mail on facebook and later on received a regret mail from the company. The firm also clarified that it never denies employment to candidates based on their religious background. The post evoked sharp reactions from netizens.
Arif Mahmood, a Kandivali resident said, “How can a company deny employment to Zeshan just because he belongs to Muslim religion? There should be equal opportunity to candidates belonging to all religion”
Qayum Shaikh a FY Bsc student said, “Companies should indulge in religious discrimination. People should be provided employment on the basis of merit instead of their religious background.”
Zaheer Ahmed, a Malad resident said, “I had read this news in media and people also had criticised the stand taken by the company by rejecting Zeshan’s job application. We are living in a modern world but people’s thinking continues to remain old-fashioned.”
“We were very upset by this decision. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that sabka saath sabka vikas while campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. But this organisation has been discriminating against candidates” Zeshan’s father Mohammed Ali said.
Saifuddin Ansari said, “The company has sent a wrong message to candidates seeking employment. Such acts will only tarnish the reputation of the organisation. I would like to thank the media for reporting about this incident.”
Riyaz Razaq said, “Today’s youth are hardworking and are capable enough to find employment. However, I am unhappy with the company which is only making discrimination on religious grounds. It will only affect the progress of the nation.”
Tusi Rizvi administrator of Rizvi College unaided section said, “It’s a start of acche din for Muslims. Even if he is selected the organisation will continue to harass him. He should file a complaint against the firm and also approach Labour Court for seeking justice.”
Hasan Mulani, President of Mumbra constituency from MIM said, “This is nothing but the outcome of centre’s negligence towards rising extremism in the country. Right from the inception of the BJP govt at the centre and state huge number of discrimination cases has arisen all across the state and the nation. The pathetic minority department and ministry is also the culprit.”
Most of Zeshan’s friends who too had applied at the same company were immediately given jobs. He, however, got a reply which he had never expected. The Mumbai Police have already registered a case against the firm.
“As per the law, there is punishment of 3 years. After investigation it will be revealed who is actually related to offence,” police inspector Suryakant Jagdale said.
Mahendra S Deshmukh, Associate VP & Head-HR, wrote to Khan: “We would like to clarify that the company does not discriminate against candidates based on gender, caste, religion, etc. Any hurt caused in the matter is deeply regretted.”
“This erroneous email was sent by my colleague Mrs Dipika Tike who has joined recently and is still on training,” Deshmukh added in his mail.
“I just completed my final semester exams of MBA last week and like other classmates have been looking for a job. I came across an update regarding a recruitment drive undertaken by leading diamond and jewellery exporter and thought it would be a great start for my career,” Khan said.
“I along with my two classmates applied for the job. I forwarded them my resume on 19th May, 2015 at 5.45pm and exactly 15 minutes later I got a reply from the HR in charge of the firm that my application has been rejected because the company only hires non-Muslims,” Khan added.
Activist Shehzad Poonawalla wrote to the National Commission for Minorities urging it to look into the issue. In response, Naseem Ahmed, Chairman of the NMC, said, “We have received the petition. If there is any truth in this, it is unfortunate. An inquiry shall be conducted.”
Khan’s father Mohammed Ali said they have approached the police to seek justice against this discrimination. Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Eknath Khadse said the government will conduct inquiry into the incident.
