New Delhi: In response to the circular issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on October 11, 2024, Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Secretary of the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB), voiced strong reservations about what he termed the unjust portrayal of madrasas and the baseless recommendations targeting these institutions.
In a statement to the media, Ahmed said, “The circular sent by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the NCPCR, to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories misrepresents the role of madrasas in the education of Muslim children and makes several misleading claims. NCPCR argues that exempting madrasas from the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, deprives children of equal access to quality education. However, it overlooks the fact that only 4% of Muslim students attend madrasas, as highlighted by the Sachar Committee, while 96% are enrolled in mainstream educational institutions.”
Syed Tanveer Ahmad emphasized that madrasas do not oppose modern education, noting that many already teach science, mathematics, computers, and languages alongside religious studies. “Major universities across India offer courses in theology, and the inclusion of religious studies should not be framed as deprivation,” he added.
He also rejected the circular’s call for discontinuing state funding for madrasas. “The Markazi Taleemi Board would like to correct the misconception that madrasas are government-funded institutions. Madrasas are established and managed through the assets and properties of the Muslim community, primarily funded by donations. Government support is limited to modernization efforts, such as the provision of math, science, English, and computer education, as well as salaries and infrastructure. The claim that madrasas operate as state-funded entities is factually incorrect and misleading,” Ahmed clarified.
He further criticized the NCPCR’s recommendation to close down madrasa boards, calling it “unwarranted harassment.” Ahmed stated, “Just like other educational institutions, madrasas can and should be evaluated impartially. However, singling them out creates the impression that this circular is politically motivated. The NCPCR seems intent on establishing a particular narrative, focusing on madrasas while ignoring pressing child welfare issues like child labor, malnutrition, health concerns, dropouts, and abuse.”
Syed Tanveer Ahmad also expressed concerns about the circular’s recommendation to remove non-Muslim children from madrasas and enroll them in formal schools. “This recommendation violates the freedom of choice of students and their parents. If non-Muslim parents willingly choose madrasas for their children’s education, forcing their removal infringes upon their rights and autonomy,” he said. “Similarly, Muslim students should not be coerced into leaving madrasas if their families value the holistic education they receive there.”
Syed Tanveer Ahmad concluded by urging the government to reconsider the NCPCR’s recommendations and engage with madrasas through constructive dialogue. “The circular reflects a communal bias and politically motivated intent. By selectively targeting madrasas, the report overlooks more pressing child welfare issues under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Madrasas have historically contributed to both the social and educational development of the community and the nation, both before and after independence. The government should adopt an impartial and unbiased evaluation of all educational institutions,” he asserted.
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Also published in several Urdu Daily Newspaper on 15th October, 2024
