New Delhi, Aug 24: The Chairman of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Priyank Kanoongo, has sparked controversy by questioning the curriculum of government-funded madrasas in Bihar, labeling it as “radical” and expressing concerns over the enrollment of Hindu children in these institutions.
Kanoongo’s statements, shared on X, targeted the involvement of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in designing the madrasa curriculum. He described this as “appeasement” by both UNICEF and the Bihar Madrasa Board, and demanded an investigation by the UN into the matter.
The curriculum, which includes textbooks like Talimul Islam, has been criticized by Kanoongo for allegedly referring to non-Muslims as “kafir” (infidels). He also noted that while Hindu children are reportedly enrolled in these madrasas, the Bihar government has yet to provide official data on their numbers.
Kanoongo further condemned the collaboration between UNICEF and the Madrasa Board, stating that it is inappropriate for UNICEF to be involved in creating what he described as a “radical curriculum.” He accused the organization of using funds received through donations and grants under the guise of child protection to promote an agenda that he finds questionable.
Moreover, Kanoongo alleged that some of the books used in the curriculum are published in Pakistan, further fueling his concerns. He argued that madrasas are not suitable for basic education and that children, especially Hindu children, should be transferred to regular schools.
This latest move by the NCPCR chairman is in tune with the broader pattern of scrutiny and criticism by the authorities targeting Islamic institutions and organizations in India. It is yet another attempt to undermine the noble educational institutions that have long served as pillars of Islamic learning in our country. Kanoongo’s earlier call for dissolving the Madrasa Board and transferring children to regular schools was a direct violation on the right of Muslims to educate their children within the framework of Islamic values and traditions. As of now, UNICEF has not responded to the accusations, leaving the matter open for discussion and debate.
