The traditional teaching system in madrasas (Islamic seminaries) is set to undergo an overhaul with Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approving a proposal for their modernisation and linking them to the mainstream education system.
The decision, ahead of Assembly elections, was greeted with criticism by opposition parties, which accused the Congress-NCP government of trying to appease minorities.
The Cabinet approved the proposal by the minorities department for allocation of funds to modernise the Islamic seminaries in the state.
“The Cabinet approved allocation of `10 crores for the ongoing academic year,” minorities development minister Naseem Khan said.
Around two lakh students study in madrasas in the state, which has about 3,000 such seminaries, he said.
“The decision has been taken in keeping with the Justice Sachar Committee’s recommendation to bring those studying in madrasas into the mainstream,” Khan said.
This year, 200 madrasas will be provided financial assistance, he said.
Khan said each madras will get `2 lakhs per year and `50,000 as one-time fund for library.
D.Ed. and B.Ed.-qualified teachers, imparting education in these religious schools, will get `6,000 and `8,000, respectively per month, Khan said.
The decision was met with allegations by opposition that government was trying to woo minorities ahead of polls.
“Even the Pakistan government does not give subsidy to madrasas, then why here,” Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said. His party chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “Now please tell us who the fundamentalists are. Not a single chance is lost to defame Hindus. How can one justify this.”
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray termed the decision as “politically motivated” and said it won’t help the government in the polls.
“This decision is taken with an eye on forthcoming Assembly and general elections... This is an old trick of Congress (to announce doles ahead of elections). However, Muslim community is well aware of the State’s motive to derive political mileage...Congress has lost its credibility,” Raj said.
BJP state president Devendra Fadnavis said the decision has been taken “keeping an eye of the (minorities) vote bank.”