infowebsite.in
Various leaders from the Muslim outfits opined that the central child rights body’s call to stop state funding to madrassas would not impact institutions in Kerala as they receive no such financial assistance in the southern state.
Students attending Madrassa classes in Kerala
Credits: Sajad Hameed/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Thiruvananthapuram: Various leaders from the Muslim outfits opined that the central child rights body’s call to stop state funding to madrassas would not impact institutions in Kerala as they receive no such financial assistance in the southern state.
Islamic scholar and Samastha leader Abdul Samad Pookkottur said the madrasas in Kerala are being run by the community at its own expense and they accept no money for the same from the government.
“In India, people have the right to propagate, believe and follow their respective religions”, he said.
While speaking to reporters in Malappuram, he noted that, like general education, religious education is also equally a right of students.
The scholar said the NCPCR’s directive would not impact the southern state as no madrasa here accept any special assistance from the government.
“In Kerala, madrassas seek no fund from the state. They receive no special assistance from the government,” he said.
“What we have in Kerala is the Madrasa Teachers’ Welfare Fund Board which accepts money from the teachers and the government makes a contribution in accordance with that,” Pookkottur said.
Umar Faizy, state secretary of ‘Samastha’ reiterated the stance of Abdul Samad Pookkottur and said that even though it might affect the Madrassas in other states, in Kerala it will not have any repercussions as there is no state funded Madrassas in the state.
“In Kerala, the NCPCR directive will not have any impact as there is no state-sponsored Madrassas here”, he added.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress came out strongly criticising the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s directives, advising the states to stop funding madrassas.
“It is highly unfortunate that the centre is trying to muzzle the educational rights of the minority community across the country. Every religion has right to practise and propagate its religion under the constitution. Through this directive, the centre is trying to sent a dangerous message where it clearly wanted to alienate the minority community, especially the Muslims in India”, said K Sudhakaran.
Next Article
Follow us on social media
