Maharashtra govt sanctions 10 lac to all madrasas for modernization
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The Maharashtra government has announced plans to modernize madrasas across the state by allocating Rs 10 lakh to each madrasa and mandating the inclusion of science and math in their curriculum.
The state minority department, under the Dr Zakir Husain Madrasa Modernization Programme, will disburse funds to improve facilities, establish libraries, upgrade infrastructure, and provide salaries for madrasa teachers.
Madrasas must be registered with the Wakf Board to qualify to be eligible for government grants and schemes.
Additionally, students in these madrasas are required to enroll in government schools, broadening their educational scope beyond religious studies, as outlined in the resolution.
The resolution highlights the inclusion of science and math in the curriculum, and teachers for these subjects will be hired on a contract basis, with the state government covering their salaries.
The resolution further specifies that only one madrasa will be allowed to operate in a single building. This move aims to enhance the organization and modernization of the madrasa education system.
There are 121 registered madrasas in the state. The BJP, which once advocated for their closure, has now switched its position to endorse the modernization of these religious teaching centres.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has advocated for a progressive agenda, including a 5% reservation for Muslims, a stance that doesn't entirely align with the BJP's position.
In the state assembly, Deepak Kesarkar, the Minister for Education, highlighted that there are 621 unauthorized schools with madrasas in Maharashtra lacking government permissions, prompting the need for a comprehensive modernization effort.
