The circular issued by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to withdraw financial support from madrasas that do not adhere to Right to Education (RTE) has sparked debate within the state.
Madrasas in Kerala are unlikely to be impacted by funding directives due to their current framework; however, representatives from various organizations have expressed that this initiative is detrimental to minority groups. Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangam, said these madrasas do not receive any form of assistance from the state government. They operate independently from the mainstream education system, under the oversight of Muslim organizations.
The current decision will not impact the operations of madrasas in Kerala. However, it will have repercussions for those located in North India. This action undermines religious freedoms upheld in the nation and is likely to have enduring consequences. There are concerns regarding its potential future effects on madrasas in Kerala. Abdussamad Pookkottur stated that Muslim organizations will respond to this issue through legal and democratic means.
ET Muhammed Basheer, secretary of IUML, said this action is one of the most severe instances of injustices faced by minorities in the country.
He added, “The recommendations issued by the Chairman of NCPCR contains highly offensive remarks regarding the minority community. There appears to be a deliberate scheme at play. He is damaging the reputation of madrasas by presenting unfounded assertions about the educational system.”
ET Muhammed Basheer expressed that the initiative represents an infringement on the constitutional rights of minorities to operate and oversee educational institutions. The Kerala Muslim Jamaat has allied with various other Muslim organizations to contest the NCPCR recommendations. They said these recommendations constitute a breach of minority rights protected by the Constitution.
