GUWAHATI: To upgrade the khariji (private) madrassas in different parts of the Assam , state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed Rs 3 lakh each to 640 different khariji (private) madrassas at a ceremonial distribution ceremony held at the Guwahati Municipal Corporation GMC ) auditorium on Tuesday.The state government will provide financial assistance to around 700 khariji madrassas in the state under chief minister’s special scheme.Each madrassas are supposed to get 5 lakhs in total, out of which, Rs 3 lakhs each has already been distributed to about 21 madrassas in six districts, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, Morigaon, Kamrup, Sonitpur and Darrang.Himanta said, “Education has been given the highest priority in every religion, but mere religious education is not enough. Besides this, the students have to keep up with the changing times. If we can introduce vocational courses in madrassas, it would really benefit the students.”He added, “This is the first time that the khariji (private) madrassas are being provided government assistance. It is sad to know that most of the private madrassas are running purely on charity money. The government has formed a core committee to upgrade these madrassas.”Forest minister Rockybul Hussain, who was also present, said, “It is important to introduce modern subjects like English and Computer Science in the madrassas.”