Mumbai: The Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government has announced a threefold increase in salaries for madrasa teachers. The decision was taken during a recent Cabinet meeting. Under the revised scheme, madrasa teachers holding a Diploma in Education (DEd) qualification will see their monthly salaries rise from ₹6,000 to ₹16,000. Similarly, teachers with BEd or BSc-BEd degrees, who teach secondary-level subjects, will receive a raise from ₹8,000 to ₹18,000 a month. The hike has been widely welcomed by madrasa teachers, who expressed optimism that the improved compensation will not only ease financial pressures but also encourage more effective teaching.
The salary hike is part of broader welfare measures announced by Maharashtra government, including Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernisation Scheme. This program promotes the inclusion of subjects like mathematics, science, sociology, and multilingual education (Hindi, Marathi, English, and Urdu) alongside traditional religious studies.
Also, the Cabinet has increased the budget for Maulana Azad Minority Financial Development Corporation from ₹700 crore to ₹1,000 crore to support minority welfare initiatives.
With the state’s Assembly term expiring in November, elections must be held before November 26, 2024. Maharashtra government has accelerated welfare announcements before the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct takes effect. The salary hike for Madrasa teachers reflects the Shinde government’s strategy to consolidate support across the Muslim community ahead of the polls.
