Kozhikode: Muslim Educational Socitey, which was in the heart of a 'niqab' cotnrovesry after it banned the veil in their schools and colleges, is paying least attention to the cause of women empowerment.

In a recent television debate, Fazal Gafoor, Kerala state president of the MES, had stated that the women empowerment is a major agenda of his organisation.

It appears that among the 30-member MES state committee, there are no women.

Kamarunnisa Anwar, the sole women in the committee in past years, is no longer there, if go by the newly released list.

The 'core committee', an important body in the organisation, is also male-only by default.

In the said TV debate, Samastha leader Umer Faizy Mukkam repeatedly asked this issue of representation within the organisation, but Mr Gafoor was evasive.

He merely stated that the MES has a separate wing for ladies.

But these women have no stakes in the core decisions and policy making.