NCPCR challenges madrasas" education standards in Supreme Court

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has raised concerns regarding the education provided in madrasas, claiming it does not meet the standards set by the Right to Education Act. In a submission to the Supreme Court, the NCPCR highlighted that madrasa textbooks promote the supremacy of Islam and lack a structured curriculum, which is essential for proper education. The Commission criticized the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, stating it deprives children of their fundamental right to education and equality before the law. The NCPCR's submission comes as the Supreme Court reviews appeals against a High Court ruling that deemed the Uttar Pradesh Act unconstitutional for violating secularism principles. The Commission pointed out that the Taliban's ideologies are influenced by the Darul Uloom Deoband Madrasa, raising further concerns about the educational content in these institutions. The NCPCR emphasized that children in madrasas are not exempt from the constitutional right to education, despite the RTE Act's exemptions for these institutions. Additionally, the NCPCR found that children attending madrasas are deprived of essential educational rights, such as midday meals, uniforms, and trained teachers. The Commission described the current educational model in madrasas as unsatisfactory and arbitrary, lacking necessary evaluation procedures. It also criticized the inclusion of objectionable content in the madrasa curriculum, asserting that the mere addition of NCERT books does not equate to quality education. The NCPCR's findings underscore the urgent need for reform in madrasa education to ensure that all children receive a comprehensive and equitable education, aligning with their fundamental rights under the Constitution of India.