Kiran Tare By

MUMBAI: In a move aimed at providing quality education to students pursuing education in madrasas, the Maharashtra government has decided to henceforth release grants to madrasas only if they teach English, mathematics, science and social science.

State Minister for Minorities’ Welfare Eknath Khadse categorically said those madrasas which fail to teach these subjects will not receive any grant from the state government.

The government usually provides a grant of Rs 5.50 lakh to each madrasa every year for infrastructure development and educational facilities.

“We have taken the decision in accordance with the madrasas’ modernisation plan. We will allow appointment of three teachers with BEd qualification for these subjects. The madrasas will have the right to appoint a teacher of their choice,” Khadse said.

He said almost 537 out of 1,889 madrasas in the state have already given their nod for introducing modern education.

But the madrasas are in two minds over the government policy. Some think that modern education should be introduced without any rider. The second group is opposed to the idea of non-religious teachings in madrasas.

The All India Ulema Council had accepted the government grants without any strings.

“We will call a meeting soon and chalk out our future strategy in view of the government’s fresh decision pertaining to the grants,” an official of the religious body said.

According to city-based academic Abdul Rashid, modern education will help Muslim children secure good jobs.

“It will also help the students broaden their horizon and perspective,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NCP-led Opposition described the decision as a move to suppress the minorities.

“Education is everybody’s right. The government should encourage the madrasas for providing quality education, but not at the cost of discontinuing their grants,” said Waris Pathan, an MIM legislator from the city. The erstwhile Congress-NCP Government had introduced modern education in madrasas in 2013.