Crisis of basic amenities in Uttarakhand madrasas; 227 closed and 19 sealed.
Dehradun. Despite the implementation of a new system for madrasas in Uttarakhand, several questions remain regarding the provision of basic amenities to the children. Even more than three months after the new system was introduced, no clear directive has been issued regarding the provision of meals under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana (PM Poshan Yojana) in madrasas. Furthermore, NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) textbooks are not fully available in many madrasas. Although a religious education curriculum for classes up to grade eight has been prepared, it has not yet been implemented.
The situation remains unclear regarding whether the government will provide religious education textbooks or if the madrasas must arrange for them independently. This has raised concerns about the education and facilities available to children studying in these madrasas. Reports indicate that out of the 452 registered madrasas in the state, 227 have closed down on their own, and 19 have been sealed. Consequently, attention has shifted to the current state of madrasas and the facilities provided to the children following the implementation of the new system.
Awaiting Clear Directives on the Meal Scheme
The PM Poshan Yojana is crucial for providing nutritional support to children studying in madrasas, similar to the support provided in regular schools. However, more than three months after the new system’s implementation in Uttarakhand, no clear order has been issued regarding the provision of meals under this scheme in madrasas.
Due to the lack of clarity regarding the meal provision mechanism, it remains uncertain when and through what process children in madrasas will receive the scheme’s benefits. Only after the relevant order is issued will it become clear how the scheme will be implemented in madrasas and where the responsibility for its execution will lie.
Providing nutritional support alongside regular education is a vital component of the educational system. Therefore, questions arising from the delay in deciding on the meal scheme are significant. For now, the wait for clear instructions regarding the scheme’s implementation continues. Incomplete NCERT Book Sets in Many Madrasas
The availability of educational materials in madrasas remains a challenge under the new system. Reports indicate that complete sets of NCERT books are not available in many madrasas. A shortage of textbooks can disrupt the regular academic process, as students require these books to study according to the prescribed curriculum.
When book sets are incomplete, both students and teachers face the challenge of conducting studies in an organized manner. Consequently, ensuring the availability of textbooks is a crucial aspect of the effective implementation of the new system.
However, the available information does not provide detailed figures regarding exactly how many madrasas lack books or the extent of the shortage. Therefore, the scale of the textbook deficit remains unclear at present.
Religious Education Curriculum Prepared but Not Implemented
The situation regarding religious education in madrasas also remains ambiguous. While a curriculum for religious education up to Class 8 has reportedly been prepared, it has not yet been implemented. Furthermore, there is no clarity on whether the government will provide the books required for religious education.
Preparing a curriculum and actually implementing it in the classroom are distinct processes. Alongside the curriculum, it is essential to ensure the availability of books, provide teachers with necessary materials, and establish a clear instructional framework. Until there is clarity on these matters, implementing the planned religious education system in madrasas may continue to face difficulties.
The lack of a decision regarding the availability of religious education books raises questions for madrasas about how they will obtain the necessary teaching materials. No clear directives have been issued yet on whether the government will supply the books or if arrangements will be made through other means.
227 Out of 452 Registered Madrasas Have Closed Down
A total of 452 madrasas are reported to be registered in Uttarakhand. Of these, 227 madrasas have closed down on their own, while 19 have been sealed. These figures shed light on a significant aspect of the current status of madrasas in the state.
However, the available information does not clarify the reasons behind the closure of the 227 madrasas. Similarly, there is no mention of the specific grounds for the action taken against the 19 sealed madrasas. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to assume a uniform reason for the closure or sealing of all these madrasas based solely on these figures.
Beyond the number and status of madrasas, the issue of facilities provided to the children is also crucial. There is a need for a clear system to ensure that students in operational madrasas receive textbooks, meals, and education aligned with the prescribed curriculum.
Questions Raised Regarding the Implementation of the New System
Despite the introduction of a new system for madrasas in Uttarakhand, questions regarding its implementation have arisen due to a lack of clarity on issues such as the meal scheme, textbooks, and the religious education curriculum. The system’s objectives will only be effectively realized on the ground if the necessary resources accompany the relevant directives.
Decisions on issues such as clear orders for providing meals under the PM Poshan Scheme, the availability of NCERT textbooks, and the implementation of the religious education curriculum are critical.