New Delhi, August 3: In a media briefing at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) headquarters this afternoon, Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, addressed several pressing issues, including the national budget, the Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill, and the controversial forcible transfer of madrasa students. The briefing also touched upon the situation in Palestine.
Addressing the issue of madrasa students being forcibly transferred to government schools, Husaini denounced it as a conspiracy aimed at dismantling the madrasa system. He called it unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights, arguing that such interventions by the chief secretary and police were illegal and should be opposed vigorously.
Husaini expressed dissatisfaction with the current budget, stating that it failed to meet public expectations. He criticized the lack of increased spending on education, health, and welfare schemes, despite a rise in revenue. He noted that the allocation for minorities had been significantly reduced, which he described as a serious concern. The budget, he argued, did not reflect the promised 6% of GDP for education and 4% for health, instead, favored corporate interests while burdening the poor and weaker sections with higher taxes.
On the Broadcasting Services (Regulations) Bill, 2024, Husaini condemned the government’s approach, accusing it of consulting only selected groups and not making the Bill public for broader debate. He argued that the proposed restrictions on media freedom were contrary to democratic values and constitutional rights, likening them to measures seen in authoritarian regimes.
In solidarity with Palestine, Husaini criticized Israel for its violations of international and humanitarian laws. He condemned the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, a diplomatic envoy, as a breach of moral and legal standards. He urged India to pressure other nations for an immediate ceasefire and to halt arms supplies to Israel.
The briefing was also attended by Professor Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat, and Salman Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Media Department of JIH.
