Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context
The NCPCR has told the Supreme Court that education imparted in madrasas “is not comprehensive and is therefore against the provisions of Right to Education Act.
Source
The Indian Express| Editorial dated 18th September 2024
Madrasas in India
Madrasas have historically played a crucial role in imparting religious and secular education to Muslim communities. However, in contemporary India, they are often at the center of debates concerning secularism, education standards, and minority rights. Understanding their origins, functions, and the challenges they face is essential for any discussion on the education system in India.
What are Madrasas?
Madrasas are Islamic educational institutions primarily focused on teaching Islamic theology, religious law (fiqh), and various other subjects such as Arabic, Persian, and sometimes secular subjects like mathematics and science. These institutions play a significant role in religious education, offering courses that range from basic religious studies to advanced theological and philosophical studies.
Types of Madrasas
In India, madrasas are broadly classified into two categories:
- Madrasa Darse Nizami:
- These are independent public charitable institutions primarily offering religious education without being obligated to follow state educational curriculum.
- Madrasa Darse Aliya:
- These madrasas are affiliated with the state boards of madrasa education and follow both religious and secular curricula in line with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
History of Madrasas
Madrasas have existed in India since the early centuries of Islam, and their origins are deeply rooted in the broader Islamic world. Initially, mosques functioned as centers for education, but by the 10th century, distinct institutions called madrasas developed across the Islamic world.
- Madrasas served not only as religious education centers but also as places where secular subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were taught.
- They were crucial in the transmission of knowledge during the medieval period, particularly in regions such as Khorasan (modern-day Iran and Central Asia).
- Introduction in India:
- During the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, madrasas became widespread across India, contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual landscape.
- Notable madrasas include the Firangi Mahal in Lucknow and the Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the oldest and most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia.
Controversy Surrounding Madrasas
In recent years, madrasas have been a subject of controversy, especially regarding the nature and quality of education they provide.
- Concerns About Curriculum: Critics argue that many madrasas focus heavily on religious instruction at the cost of secular education, creating a gap in comprehensive education that could hamper students’ prospects in modern society.
- The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raised concerns that the curriculum in some madrasas is not aligned with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, emphasizing Islamic supremacy over secular subjects.
- Allegations of Radicalization: Some critics, particularly in the aftermath of global terrorism, have associated madrasas with radicalization, although such allegations are often debated and largely unsubstantiated in the Indian context.
- Integration into Mainstream Education: Many educationists and policymakers have called for integrating madrasa students into mainstream education to ensure that they receive a balanced education comprising both religious and secular subjects.
Government Policy on Madrasas
The Indian government has introduced various schemes and initiatives to modernize madrasas while preserving their religious character.
- State Madrasa Boards:
- Over 20 states in India have set up their own madrasa education boards to regulate the functioning of madrasas, ensuring they follow a mix of religious and secular education.
- States like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have the largest number of madrasas, with UP alone having over 11,000 recognized madrasas.
- Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas/Minorities (SPEMM): This central government scheme provides financial assistance to madrasas for infrastructure development and introducing modern subjects like science, mathematics, and English in their curriculum.
- Recognition and Funding: Recognized madrasas are funded by state governments and are required to follow a curriculum aligned with NCERT for secular subjects.
- However, there remains a significant number of unrecognized madrasas that operate independently of government oversight.
Recent Case Laws
In recent years, several landmark rulings have brought the governance and constitutional validity of madrasas into focus:
- Allahabad High Court Ruling (2023): The Allahabad High Court declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, unconstitutional, stating it violated the principles of secularism and fundamental rights under Article 14 of the Constitution. The court emphasized that religious instruction should not override a student’s right to comprehensive education.
- Supreme Court Stay (2023): The Supreme Court of India stayed the Allahabad High Court’s ruling, allowing the madrasas to continue functioning under the existing framework until the final adjudication. The Court noted the need for a more nuanced discussion on the balance between religious education and constitutional principles.
- Derecognition of Madrasas in Madhya Pradesh (2023): Following inspections, 61 madrasas were derecognized in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly failing to adhere to state educational standards, sparking a debate on government oversight versus religious autonomy.
Conclusion
Madrasas in India serve as an essential part of the educational fabric for the Muslim community, but they face ongoing challenges regarding modernization and integration with mainstream education systems. While the government has made strides in promoting secular subjects within madrasas, controversies around their role in society and adherence to constitutional principles persist. Future policies must aim to strike a balance between preserving the religious character of madrasas and ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, comprehensive education that prepares them for the modern world.
Related PYQ
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2022]
Practice Question
Madrasas in India have played a significant role in the education of Muslim communities, but they face criticism and challenges regarding integration with modern education. Discuss? [250 words]
Guidelines to Answer
- Introduction:
- Define madrasas and their role in India’s education system.
- Mention their historical importance as centers of religious and secular learning.
- Briefly highlight the current debate around modernization and secular education.
- Body:
- Historical Role: Discuss the evolution of madrasas, particularly during the Mughal era and their contribution to Islamic education.
- Controversies: Explain issues like concerns over the curriculum, allegations of radicalization, and debate over compliance with the Right to Education Act.
- Government Policies: Highlight key initiatives like SPEMM, state madrasa boards, and recent court rulings impacting madrasas.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the need for a balanced approach that respects religious education while integrating modern subjects.