UP govt attempts to survey madrasa smacks of evil intention
New Delhi: In the wake of an ill-intentioned survey of madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M) constituted a steering committee to investigate the matter. Convening a meeting of madrasa rectors and representatives at its headquarters on September 6, the Jamiat leadership declared that they will defend Islamic seminaries at all costs, and termed the UP government’s proposed survey of madrassas as a malicious attempt to disparage the madrasa education system. It also announced the opening of a helpline for madrassas that encounter any issues. According to an estimate, there are more than a lakh madrassas in UP.
More than 200 madrasa representatives, including those from prestigious seminaries like Darul Uloom in Deoband, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur, and others, attended the meeting under the banner of “protecting Madrassas”. They denounced the Yogi government’s attempt to demonize the madrasa, saying it is the country’s greatest asset because it was instrumental in the liberation movement and made immeasurable sacrifices.
The Uttar Pradesh government had announced to conduct a survey of unrecognized madrassas in the state to gather information about the number of teachers, curriculum, and basic facilities available there, among others.
The 12-point survey questionnaire being used by the UP government was discussed at the meeting. A PowerPoint presentation gave a thorough explanation of the purpose and scope of the survey. In the discussion, it was agreed that the madrasa system’s laws and regulations needed internal revision.
The meeting also raises concerns about the government’s retrograde mindset, which by adopting a combative approach causes confusion and fear among the populace and builds a barrier of mistrust between the communities. This government’s behavior is completely unacceptable. Governments ought to stop this sort of conduct. It pointed out that madrassas have played a significant historical role in this nation and have consistently made sacrifices for the country. Even today, madrassas continue to benefit the nation by educating youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds and advancing efforts to achieve national literacy rates of 100 percent. Madrassa graduates become sincere and patriotic citizens of their nation.
Actually, it is malicious to refer to madrasa students as not adhering to the government system. It is essential to respond with a reasonable approach. Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, the meeting’s organizer and the head of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, voiced these views.
Maulana Mahmood Madani said they will safeguard the madrasa system at all costs. He told the media that a steering committee has been formed for further action.
The steering committee comprising Maulana Arshad Madani, President JHU (A); Mauling Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, Sheikh Al-Hadith and Mohtamim Darul Uloom Deoband; Maulana Muhammad Sufyan Qasmi Mohtamim Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband; Maulana Mufti Muhammad Rashid Azmi, Deputy Mohtamim Darul Uloom Deoband; Maulana Syed Ashhad Rashidi, Mohtamim Jamia Qasmiya Shahi Moradabad; Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind; Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqui, Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Mufti Ashfaq Ahmad Azmi; Kamal Farooqui, Member, All India Muslim Personal Law Board; Mr. Mujtabi Farooq, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Syed Azhar Madani, Gangoh; and Mahmood Madani, President, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.
The meeting gave nod to a three-point plan following mutual consultation.
(1) Madrassas’ internal systems should have any legal flaws fixed as quickly as possible.
(2) The Jamiat Ulama-i- Hind should set up a helpline and have a team ready to assist the Madrassas in fixing the paperwork.
(3) Madrassas ought to begin offering modern education in NIOS or another format.
Religious seminaries are a sore spot for communal forces, according to Maulana Arshad Madani, thus we should be aware of their motivations.
Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani stressed the need of improving the internal structure of madrassas, particularly the structure connected to Dar al-Iqama, (hostel), etc.
Maulana Atiq Ahmad Bastavi, representing the Nazeem-e-Ala of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Maulana Syed Muhammad Rabi Hasni Nadvi, argued that the survey questionnaire had been included for mischief rather than reform. Therefore, a suitable response should be made to this new evil of communal forces. In this context, he suggested getting in touch with government representatives.
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