Hyderabad, July 24 -- About 15 percent of India's population has less than four percent representation in all meaningful walks of life. This is the stubborn 'four percent trap'. Many explanations have been offered, but its lack of access to good schooling that lies at the root of it all. Only about four percent of Muslim students, from the poorest backgrounds, are said to study in Madrassas (religious schools). Arguably, another four percent may have access to good education. That leaves more than ninety percent with sub-standard schooling, or none at all (for the moment, putting aside the concerns with Madrassa education). This is where the pipeline is broken and the potential talent within the community is leaking out.

Many remedial co...