The board’s registrar is accused of negligence and indifference towards curriculum matters.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a recent development concerning the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board, it has emerged that the decision made in 2021 regarding the implementation of optional subjects in madrasas up to the secondary level has not been put into effect. The decision, aimed at enhancing the curriculum and educational standards, has faced delays, prompting concerns and criticism from various quarters.
The decision to make optional subjects mandatory in the state’s madrasas up to the secondary level has not been executed as planned. Additionally, a progress report has been provided on the approval of new madrasas, raising questions about the pre-education system and curriculum. The registrar of the madrasa board has been accused of negligence and indifference towards curriculum matters.
During a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board, chaired by Chairman Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Javed, it was highlighted that despite a clear decision being taken, there has been a lack of interest in enforcing it. General Secretary Waheedullah Khan Saeedi expressed disappointment over the delay. “About three years have passed since the decision was made. It has not been implemented as per the provisions of the Madrasa Board Act 2004,” he said.
The meeting further revealed that despite the existence of sub-committees within the board, there is a need for their reconstitution, indicating negligence on the part of the registrar and other committee members. Allegations of inattention towards curriculum matters were raised, with concerns about the lack of enforcement of compulsory subjects from grade one to the secondary level.
Furthermore, objections were raised against the madrasa board in the Supreme Court, highlighting the negative attitude of the government towards subjects such as Mathematics, Elementary Science, History, and Civics in madrasa education. Despite the provisions of the Madrasa Service Regulations 2016 and the NCERT syllabus, there has been a significant delay in implementing necessary reforms.
The inordinate delay has raised concerns among stakeholders, including the All India Teachers Association. It has been emphasised that immediate action was required to ensure the enforcement of compulsory subjects and the reconstitution of relevant board committees.
Registrar R.P. Singh, however, defended the board’s actions. “Efforts are underway to address the concerns raised and expedite the implementation process. We are committed to enhancing the educational standards in madrasas and ensuring compliance with the regulations,” he said.
The absence of concrete steps towards implementation has fuelled dissatisfaction among educators and stakeholders. With the state high court agreeing to form broad committees to review the curriculum in madrasas, there is renewed hope for addressing the issues of negligence and indifference towards educational reforms.
As the debate continues, it remains imperative for the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board to take decisive action to fulfil its mandate of improving educational standards and ensuring the holistic development of students in madrasas across the state.
