In a recent intervention application presented before the Allahabad High Court, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has expressed reservations regarding the religious education imparted in institutions funded by the government. The NCPCR claims that the education provided in madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, is inadequate and lacks comprehensiveness. The commission’s affidavit further highlights that madrasas often function in an arbitrary manner, which contravenes the provisions set forth in the Right to Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), as well as the Juvenile Justice Act.
The NCPCR, responsible for safeguarding the rights of children in India, has voiced its concerns after receiving numerous complaints regarding the functioning and educational practices within madrasas. The commission contends that the quality of education provided in these institutions does not meet the desired standards and is insufficient in terms of academic and comprehensive development.
According to the NCPCR, madrasas often operate in an arbitrary manner, which goes against the principles and regulations outlined in the RTE Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. The commission’s affidavit emphasizes the need for adherence to these acts, as they aim to ensure the right to education for all children, regardless of their religious background. By functioning arbitrarily, madrasas risk infringing upon the fundamental rights of children and undermining the principles of equality and inclusivity.
The NCPCR stresses the significance of comprehensive education for children in madrasas, urging authorities to address the gaps in the current system. The commission argues that religious education alone is not sufficient for a child’s holistic development, as it neglects other essential aspects such as language, mathematics, science, social sciences, and vocational training. By providing a more comprehensive curriculum, madrasas can equip students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for a diverse and evolving society.
The NCPCR’s intervention application before the Allahabad High Court serves as a plea for government intervention and oversight to rectify the existing shortcomings. The commission asserts that it is imperative for the government to ensure that children in madrasas receive education that meets the standards set by the RTE Act and other relevant legislation. Such intervention would promote transparency, accountability, and the fulfillment of children’s rights within these educational institutions.
While the NCPCR highlights the need for comprehensive education, it also acknowledges the importance of respecting religious identity. The commission’s stance aims to strike a balance between fulfilling children’s educational needs and preserving the cultural and religious aspects associated with madrasas. It emphasizes the provision of quality education while respecting the principles of secularism and religious freedom.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has raised significant concerns about the education provided in madrasas, highlighting their inadequate and non-comprehensive nature. The commission’s intervention application before the Allahabad High Court seeks to rectify the arbitrary practices within madrasas, which are in violation of the RTE Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. By emphasizing the importance of comprehensive education and government intervention, the NCPCR aims to ensure that children in madrasas receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of the modern world.