Math, Science Along with Deeni Instruction

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) Asserting there is ''a crying need'' to standardise and mainstream Madarsa education, a government- appointed group has suggested setting up a central Madarsa board to do the job, officials said today.

The findings have been received by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh from National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions chairman M S A Siddiqui, a Ministry statement said.

''The Muslim community is today poised to welcome the introduction of subjects like mathematics, science and computer education along with vocational education,'' the statement said.

A retired Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Siddiqui began receiving petitions in February 2005 which drew attention to the educational backwardness of the Muslim community, the statement said.

It said the Commission recognised that this backwardness ''has become a matter of unprecedented national concern, calling for significant remedial initiatives.'' It concluded that modernising and upgrading Madarsa education, besides prioritising Muslim-majority areas for educational development, was ''the most critical task.'' It conferred with educationists, religious scholars and eminent citizens associated with Madarsa education. A national consultation was held in New Delhi on December 3, 2006.

''It turned out to be one of the best attended and keenly participated exercises of its kind in which everyone felt free to express their views without fear or favour,'' the statement said.

The ideas were backed by eminent scholars of Barelvi school of thought, Ahle Hadis, Dawoodi Bohras, Imam Shefai's Sect, Nadvatul Ulma, Lucknow and a section of Deoband School of thought represented by Sheikhul Hadis and president of Tanzeem Ulma-e-Hind, Hazrat Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri.

Some, such as Lucknow-based Nadwatul-Ulema Rector Syed Rabe Hasmi Nadvi-- All India Muslim Personal Board president-- spoke supportively in media interviews.

Most felt that while there is an urgent need to introduce modern education in madarsas, there should be no dilution of basic structure and objectives, including religious or Deeni instruction.

Equipping Madarsa students with knowledge and power in areas of science and technology should be for their social and economic betterment.

Madarsas can help achieve universal literacy for Muslim 6-to-14-year-olds.

The government commitment stems from Articles 21 (A) and 51 (A) of the Constitution. The Commission has recommended establishing a Central Madarsa Board through legislation by Parliament.

UNI