Stairway to the abattoir

 

 

Why are the madrasas against modern education. Because the maulanas need to maintain their grip in the name of Dini Talim (religious education). Why else would they fiercely oppose science, English and computer education. Whether Andhra Pradesh or Bihar, madrasas look alike. A dark, dingy room, students sitting on the floor, bowed on their books, and the maulanas with a cane keeping a strict eye. Ask the maulana, what did he teach for the day. Pat comes the reply, “Quran and Hadis.” Is this adequate for a child to face the modern world? No one is objecting to the maulanas teaching Quran and Hadis, but to declare science, English and computer education untouchable is bizarre. This is why madrasa passouts are more 'incompetent' compared to English language students.

The Sachar Committee, set up by the United Progressive Alliance government to look into the state of Muslims in India, had also recommended major changes in the format of madrasa education. Also, a section of Muslim scholars seem to be realising that major changes are needed in the system, or they are doomed. They feel that math, science and computer education must be included in the syllabus to update and upgrade madrasa education.

However, the grim reality is that the madrasas lacks proper infrastructure. The Andhra Pradesh government days ago proposed financial support to these institutions. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajashekhara Reddy said, “Madrasas need government aid to improve their condition and the government will provide all necessary support.”

But then, it’s the same old story of usual opposition to reforms and changes. Reddy's government had listed some conditions in lieu of the aid, which the madrasas have rejected outright. The government wanted the madrasas to be registered, maintain the details of the students and the teachers and have a proper record of expenses.

There were nothing in these condition that could have been detrimental to the madrasa education system. But, madrasa administrators did not want the outside world to peep into its confined and closed world. A member of the Andhra Dini Madrasa Board, Maulana Abdul Rahim Qureshi, said, “If the government gives any fund to madrasas, it should also bring out a law that there would be no meddling or intervention into our internal affairs.”

However, opinions here seemed to be divided. Darul Ulum Ehle Sunnat member, Mehbooba Alam argues, “The changes will be in favour of the students. Along with Quran and Hadis, they can also learn about modern education.”

At this juncture over 1,600 madrasas are being benefited by the Centre’s scheme to modernise them. Under the USAID, work to modernise madrasas in India are being carried out. The project is to implement the government curriculum, training of the teachers, locate the dropouts and bring them back. Apart from this, another project being carried out by the USAID is to be provide 'job-oriented education.'

Another problem plaguing the madrasas is linking the institutions with terrorism. The security agencies are raising questions over the mushrooming of madrasas on the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In one of its reports, the Intelligence Bureau has stated that madrasas have become the 'hub of ISI activities in India.'

The question therefore arises, is this why madrasas are against imparting modern education. Do the madrasas need to hide something from the government? The opposition to modernising of madrasas will send a wrong signal. Therefore, good sense should prevail and the maulanas should get off their high horses and accept government help. At least for the sake of the children. If they don't, the government must get more pro-active.