NCPCR calls for end to Madrasa funding, urges formal education for children

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a critical directive to the chief secretaries and administrators of all states and union territories, calling for an immediate halt to state funding for madrasas. This directive follows the release of the report titled "Guardians of Faith or Oppressors of Rights: Constitutional Rights of Children vs. Madrasas," which provides an in-depth analysis of madrasas' impact on children's educational rights in India.

The NCPCR report, comprising 11 chapters, outlines the historical context of madrasas and their role in the educational system. It argues that while Articles 29 and 30 of the Indian Constitution protect minority rights to establish educational institutions, these provisions have inadvertently led to systemic discrimination against children enrolled in madrasas. The commission has found that around 1.25 crore children are deprived of their right to basic education due to inadequate oversight and educational standards in these institutions.

NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo emphasized the importance of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, stating that the act is rooted in the principles of equality, social justice, and democracy. He noted that the current situation creates a conflict between the fundamental rights of children and the rights of minority communities. The NCPCR's report indicates that simply having a Madrasa Board or a UDISE Code does not ensure compliance with RTE requirements.

To rectify these issues, the NCPCR has recommended that all Madrasa Boards be disbanded and state funding for madrasas be discontinued. Furthermore, it has urged the transfer of non-Muslim children currently enrolled in madrasas to formal schools to receive the education mandated by the RTE Act. The commission also called for Muslim children attending madrasas, whether recognized or unrecognized, to be enrolled in formal educational institutions to receive a standardized curriculum and proper educational resources.

In a related context, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved significant salary increases for D.Ed. and B.Ed. teachers in madrasas, raising concerns about the continued support for these institutions amidst the NCPCR's recommendations. D.Ed. teachers will see their salaries rise from ₹6,000 to ₹16,000 per month, while secondary subject teachers in B.A., B.Ed., and B.Sc. programs will now earn ₹18,000, up from ₹8,000. The NCPCR's report and subsequent recommendations have reignited the debate over the role of madrasas in the Indian education system, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects minority rights while ensuring that all children have access to quality education.