''Now students of Madrasa, like any educational institution, will be able apply for jobs in the railways,'' Lalu Prasad said.

''All the necessary official formalities in this regard will be finalised soon by the railways,'' Lalu Prasad said.

The move is seen as part of Lalu Prasad's political strategy ahead of the parliamentary elections to woo Muslim voters.

Early this year, the minister promised to increase the percentage of Muslim employees in the railways.

But
a latest report of a review meeting of the group of secretaries of
central government last month found the railways were still lagging in
recruitment of Muslims.

Last year acting on the Rajinder Sachar
Committee recommendations, the government issued directives to all
ministries to improve participation of minorities in government jobs.

Till
February 2008, of the 67 departments and ministries under the central
government, the railways had nearly three percent Muslim employees,
which is well below the average five per cent mark.