Amaravati: The state government has initiated key measures to benefit Muslim minority students by implementing essential educational schemes. As part of this effort, Urdu language teachers and volunteers are being appointed in Urdu-medium schools across the state. The government has named this initiative the “Chandrababu Madrasa Modern Education Scheme”, reports the Eenaadu.
Last year, as part of the New Education Policy, the central government approved a plan to promote the Urdu language in southern states. Schools with at least 15 Urdu-medium students are eligible for the recruitment of Urdu language teachers, with the teachers being paid on an honorarium basis. Although the central government has been providing funds for this since last year, the previous YSRCP government did not take advantage of it.
Recently, the newly elected NDA government submitted proposals to the centre, and it has now been approved. Out of 1,600 Urdu-medium schools across the state, 238 schools have more than 15 students per class. To meet the demand, the government has released Rs.10 crore, with each teacher receiving Rs.30,000 per month as honorarium. Once the state government gives its final approval, the recruitment process will begin.
To modernize education for students attending madrasas, the previous TDP government appointed education volunteers between 2014 and 2019. However, the YSRCP government that came to power in 2019 halted the scheme. Now, the NDA government has revived the initiative, starting the process to appoint education volunteers in madrasas. Minority Welfare Minister Farooq has already approved the recruitment.
There are 185 madrasas across the state, and proposals have been made to appoint three education volunteers in each one, totaling 555 volunteers. The estimated cost of implementing the Chandrababu Madrasa Modern Education Scheme is Rs.13 crore annually, and final approval is awaited from the finance department.
This revived scheme is expected to significantly enhance the quality of education in madrasas and Urdu-medium schools, providing students with modern educational opportunities.
