New Delhi: In response to the circular issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on 11th October 2024, Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Secretary of the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB), expressed reservation over the unjust portrayal of madrasas and the baseless recommendations targeting these institutions.

In a statement to the media, the MTB Secretary said, “The circular sent by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson NCPCR to Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs of India 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 ignores the fact that only 4% of Muslim students attend madrasas, as highlighted by the Sachar Committee, while 96% are enrolled in mainstream educational institutions. Furthermore, madrasas do not oppose modern education—many already teach Science, Mathematics, Computers, and Languages alongside theology. Major universities across India offer courses in theology, and the inclusion of religious studies should not be framed as deprivation. NCPCR wants State Funding of Madrasas to be stopped. The circular recommends discontinuing state funding, suggesting that madrasas do not follow RTE provisions even if they are affiliated with boards or hold a UDISE code. Markazi Taleemi Board would like to humbly to correct the misconception that madrasas are government-funded institutions. Madrasas are established and managed through the assets and properties of the Muslim community, funded primarily by community donations. Government support is limited to modernization efforts, including the provision of Maths, 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.”

Syed Tanveer Ahmed averred, “The NCPCR recommends closing down madrasa boards, subject to a Supreme Court ruling. We feel that the suggestion to shut down madrasa boards is unwarranted harassment. 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. The circular proposes removing non-Muslim children from madrasas and enrolling 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. Similarly, students from Muslim backgrounds should not be coerced into leaving madrasas if their families value the holistic education they receive there. The NCPCR’s 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. Rather than singling out madrasas, the government should adopt an impartial and unbiased evaluation of all educational institutions.
We urge the government to reconsider the recommendations of the NCPCR and engage with madrasas through constructive dialogue, instead of promoting divisive narratives that undermine the educational and constitutional rights of minorities.”