By RINA,
New Delhi: Apprehensions about proposed Central Madrasa Board have stopped madrasas in Delhi from benefiting the state government’s Madrasa Modernization scheme. Even after four months, the government failed to secure any considerable number of applications, especially from reputed Madrasas.
About four months earlier, public welfare branch in education department of Delhi government had asked Delhi Madrasas to apply for certain facilities available under Madrasa Modernization program. But the well advertised initiative could not attract Madrasa authorities and number of applications received in the department is still insignificant, adding to government’s concerns.
According to a Delhi government circular, the government shall grant Rs. 600 per month for salaries of teachers appointed to teach modern subjects like mathematics, English and science. These Madrasas will also be given annual grants of Rs. 50,000 for establishing a modern library and Rs. 15,000 for purchasing science-kits. But there is no taker.
Perplexed government has contacted chairmen of leading minority related institutions like Delhi Minority Commission, Delhi Wakf Board and Delhi Urdu Academy, seeking their opinion on proposed Madrasa Board. This is remarkable that leading Ulema have decried not only any Central Madrasa Board but also State Madrasa Boards.
However, the notice from the director of education department to the three chairmen has sought immediate suggestions and opinions so that ‘Delhi government could work out an effective solution to Madrasa modernization.’ Government requires the Madrasas to be registered with Delhi Wakf Board and National Open School, if they have been working for at least three previous years.
When contacted, Delhi Waqf Board chairman Kamal Farooqui said, “If aid is granted to Madrasas under present plan, it could affect them negatively.” Elaborating on his view, he said he wanted government to clarify on four points, “The Board or government should not have any say in appointments made in aided Madrasas. Authority to appoint should rest with Madrasas. The Board should not make any interference of any type in Madrasa syllabi. The scheme should not affect Islamic identity of aided institutions.”