Discriminatory Policy Threatens Muslim Workers in India

Muslim workers in India face increasing discrimination following a controversial policy mandating restaurants to publicly display employee names, The Guardian reported yesterday.

Introduced by Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the policy aims to enforce health regulations but is perceived as a targeted attack on Muslim employees and businesses. Many Muslim workers have already been dismissed, fearing for their safety amid rising communal tensions.

Reports indicate that Muslim business owners are under pressure to comply, with some contemplating closure to protect their staff. The BJP, which governs Uttar Pradesh and the central government, is accused of fostering an environment of anti-Muslim sentiment through such policies. Critics argue that the policy exacerbates existing divisions, as names in India often indicate religion and caste.

Despite claims from BJP officials that the policy is about hygiene, many believe it is a deliberate strategy to marginalize Muslim communities and incite economic boycotts against them, further endangering their livelihoods.