18 August 2024: The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a directive prohibiting state-funded madrasas and schools affiliated with the Madarsa Board from compelling students to participate in religious education without the explicit consent of their parents. This move is part of a broader initiative by the state’s Education Department to ensure that non-Muslim children enrolled in these institutions are not forced into religious studies or activities, as per a report by The Hindu.
In response to concerns raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the state government will conduct a comprehensive survey to identify non-Muslim children enrolled in madrasas. The NCPCR had previously claimed that some madrasas were enrolling non-Muslim students to inflate enrollment figures and secure additional government grants. These claims have sparked controversy, particularly after an NCPCR report identified over 9,000 Hindu children enrolled in Islamic seminaries across Madhya Pradesh.
NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo emphasized that madrasas found to be enrolling non-Muslim children without proper consent could face severe consequences, including the loss of government funding and cancellation of their registration.
This issue has gained significant attention in Madhya Pradesh, where public outcry has intensified following revelations of non-Muslim children being enrolled in madrasas. The state government, led by Education Minister Mohan Yadav, has been urged to take swift action, and the upcoming survey is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.
This directive is seen as a critical step toward ensuring that educational institutions in the state operate transparently and respect the religious rights of all students.
