By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net,
Kolkata: In her first cabinet decision on madrasas, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday decided to upgrade 175 madrasas and recruit 650 teachers for madrasas. The state government has also decided to felicitate 30 madrasa toppers in a function here on 1st July.
After the meeting of the state Cabinet Chief Whip of Assembly and Industry Minister Partho Chatterjee informed the press that 650 Madrasa teachers will be recruited shortly. As per decision of the cabinet, government recognized 75 Junior High Madrasas (VIII standard) will be upgraded to be High Madrasa (Secondary Standard) and 100 High Madrasa to be senior High Madrasa (XII). The government will recruit 400 teachers for High Madrasas and 250 teachers for Senior High Madrasas.
A separate Madrasa Service Commission conducts recruitment of teachers for Government recognized Madrasas. CM Banerjee is holding the charge of Ministry of Minority Affairs & Madrasa Education. Recently she had announced that 10500 Madrasas will be recognized by the state Government without any financial assistance.
Partho Chatterjee also said in the Press conference that, Schedule Caste & Schedule Tribe quota has already been introduced in Higher education, like College & University in West Bengal. The Cabinet on Monday has decided to implement this quota at School level also. So, in admission in any school SC/ST students will be get relaxation of 25 percent Marks. The government, however, has not extended the quota benefit to OBC students. If the government decides so a large number of Muslims will be benefited.
Addressing the press, State Youth Welfare Minister Ujjal Biswas said 30 Madrasa scholars will be felicitated by Government of West Bengal. On the birthday of former Chief Minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy on 1st July, First ranker of 9 Medical Colleges of West Bengal and 30 toppers of Madrasas will be honored by the state Government in Kolkata city. The Principals of the 9 Medical Colleges will also be honored.