Muslims lagging behind in educational front

Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) Minorities in West Bengal were lagging behind the mainstream because of their outdated educational structure, said renowned educational motivator Mubarak Kapdi.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq,' an Urdu daily, he said, ''We have to declare jihad on the educational front to eradicate illiteracy among the minority communities.'' He considered the Muslim community was responsible for its backawardness adding, ''The Muslim leaders are not addressing the basic needs of the people. Merely stirring up emotional conflict in the name of religion will not help.'' Dismissing the misconception that the Quran was an obstacle in imparting modern education, he said ''Madarasas should not be the only basis of education. Urdu should act as a second language in imparting education in the schools and colleges.'' Upholding the Sachar Committee Report, Mr Kapdi said the government had not provided adequate incentives for the development of the Muslims. Justice should be meted out to the minorities.'' Addressing the state's minorities, which comprises nearly 35 per cent of the population, he said, ''If justice is not meted out to the backward classes it will lead to unemployment and poverty which will encourage terrorist activities.'' UNI