The proposal to introduce a ‘secular syllabus’ in over 2,600 madrasas, has been shelved following stiff resistance by influential members of the community.
The revolutionary proposal to introduce a ‘secular syllabus’ in over 2,600 madrasas (Muslim gurukuls) across the state, has been shelved — at least for now — following stiff resistance by influential members of the community.
The move was mooted by the Maharashtra State Minority Commission (MSMC) and a few prominent Muslim organisations.
The MSMC had moved an application to the Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil last month, proposing a board to regulate the activities of the madrasas in state. Patil had invited suggestions from community members and ordered the formation of a semi-government committee to look into the proposal. It also envisaged introducing English, Hindi, Marathi and computer courses along with the regular religious studies.
According to Kamran Sultana Syed, officer on special duty, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, the disunity among community members is a primary cause. “Moreover, the officer in charge of the committee S A H Abidi has been transferred as the chairman of the Nashik SSC Board. This has hampered work to a large extent,” Syed pointed out.
There is a strong resistance from the community leaders themselves. They insist on religious control of the madrasas stating that the formation of the board will lead to state interference. “We will lose our control over the madrasas. We totally oppose the Board. It will only lead to a loss of identity,” said Maulana Wasis Jamal Quadri, in-charge of the delegation that expressed discontent to the State Government.
However, other community members feel the government should take a bold stand and overcome the resistance posed by a few leaders of the community. “On any issue, there are bound to be dissenting voices. The government should keep the larger interests of the community in mind and implement the proposal,” observed Syed Noori, general secretary, Raza Academy.
By introducing a secular syllabus, the MSMC had sought to shake off the popular perception that madrasas are ‘extremist’ dens. There are about 65 madrasas which teach over 3,500 students and 513 maktubs (primary schools which impart religious knowledge) which cater to about 10,000 children in Mumbai alone.
Currently, the madrasas impart written knowledge of Urdu and Arabic and teach the Holy Qu’ran in Arabic. Under the proposed Board, each madrasa can avail of Rs one lakh every year to buy books and equip them with other technologies. In case the Board is formed and is effective, madrasas can issue certificates which will be recognised by the government and enable the students to get jobs.
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