NCPCR Chief Priyank Kanoongo Calls for Changes in Madrasa Education
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), led by Chief Priyank Kanoongo, has released a significant report after nine years of research. The report, titled ‘Guardians of Faith or Oppressors of Rights: Constitutional Rights of Children vs. Madrasas,’ reveals that approximately 1.25 crore children are missing out on their basic education rights.
The NCPCR has communicated with Chief Secretaries and administrators across all states and Union Territories, emphasizing the need for change. The report consists of 11 chapters detailing the history of Madrasas and their impact on children’s educational rights.
Priyank Kanoongo stated, “The commission has released its final report after studying this issue for nine years. We have found that around 1.25 crore children are deprived of their basic education rights. They are being tutored in such a way that they would work according to the motives of certain people, this is wrong.”
The report suggests that Madrasa boards in several states should be shut down, and funding for Madrasas should be stopped. It also recommends that Hindu children studying in Madrasas be enrolled in formal schools. Kanoongo clarified, “We are not against any religion or its education, therefore Muslim children should also be taken out of Madrasas and provided basic education.”
The NCPCR report asserts that simply having a Madrasa Board or a UDISE Code does not ensure compliance with the RTE Act, 2009. It recommends discontinuing state funding to Madrasas and Madrasa Boards, subject to a pending Supreme Court judgment.
The report further recommends that all non-Muslim children be removed from Madrasas and admitted to schools for fundamental education as per the RTE Act, 2009. It also advises that Muslim children attending Madrasas, whether recognized or unrecognized, be enrolled in formal schools to receive education according to the prescribed curriculum and time.
Doubts Revealed
NCPCR -: NCPCR stands for National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. It is an organization in India that works to protect and promote the rights of children.
Priyank Kanoongo -: Priyank Kanoongo is the Chief of the NCPCR. He is responsible for leading the organization and making decisions to help protect children’s rights in India.
Madrasa -: A Madrasa is a type of educational institution in India where children, especially from the Muslim community, learn about their religion and other subjects. However, some Madrasas may not follow the same curriculum as regular schools.
RTE Act, 2009 -: The RTE Act, 2009, stands for the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. It is a law in India that ensures every child between the ages of 6 and 14 has the right to free and compulsory education.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal matters and can change or uphold laws based on its judgments.