The Uttar Pradesh government is investigating madrassa education. Recently, officials were ordered to properly assess the qualifications of teachers and other staff in all state-funded Islamic educational institutes. This review will evaluate these madrassas’ fundamental facilities as well as their teachers.
This has raised some eyebrows in education. Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board chairman Ifthikar Ahmad Javed is unhappy. He noted that these inquiries are becoming routine, yet they often disrupt these organizations’ operations. “It’s not that we’re against being checked out,” Javed adds, “but let’s do it in a way that doesn’t keep us from focusing on what’s important – educating our kids.”
J Reebha, the Minority Welfare Department’s boss, wrote about this effort, which goes beyond a checkup. It’s about giving madrassa children a modern education that encourages critical thinking, involvement, and a scientific worldview.
Much is at risk. While 560 of Uttar Pradesh’s 25,000 madrassas receive government funding, there is growing concern that many aren’t providing students with the knowledge they need.
A team of local welfare officers and magistrates will investigate. In areas with numerous madrassas, they’re adding groups to speed things up. Everything must be finished by December 30.
Javed acknowledges the letter and the necessity for a probe, but worries about the timing. He worries about how this probe would affect the board exams. He recalls a similar survey last year that failed. “We need to do this right,” he says, “and at a time that doesn’t mess with our students’ most crucial moments in education.”
Uttar Pradesh wants its madrassas to be good. Quality checks without disrupting learning is a balance. The job is hard, but it might change thousands of students’ lives.
