New Delhi, Oct 12: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has urged all states and Union Territories to halt funding for Madrassas and close Madrasa Boards. In a letter to Chief Secretaries and administrators, the NCPCR raised concerns about Madrassas not complying with the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which mandates formal, inclusive education for all children.
The Commission’s report, Guardians of Faith or Oppressors of Rights: Constitutional Rights of Children vs Madrasas, critically examines Madrassas’ role in the education system and highlights the conflict between children’s educational rights and the functioning of Madrassas.
According to NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, the current system pits children’s fundamental rights against those of minority communities, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure equality, social justice, and democratic principles in education.
While some Madrassas have formed Boards or acquired UDISE codes to monitor their functioning, they often do not meet the requirements of the RTE Act. The NCPCR recommends discontinuing state funding for Madrassas to uphold children’s constitutional right to education.
