A Historic Move for Renewable Energy Adoption in Religious Institutions under the Zakir Hussain Scheme for Madrasa Modernsation
Team Clarion
MALEGAON- In a significant move towards sustainable energy adoption, the Maharashtra government has approved a special grant of ₹5 crore for the installation of solar panels in 110 mosques and madrasas across Malegaon. This initiative, carried out under the Zakir Hussain Scheme for Madrasa Modernization, was announced by former Member of Assembly Asif Sheikh Rasheed in a a recent press conference held here.
During the press conference, Asif Sheikh Rasheed urged mosque and madrasa officials to submit petitions to the government, seeking support for solar energy systems. He highlighted that the community’s collective efforts led to the submission of 110 petitions to Maharashtra’s Planning Department through Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.
“Many mosques and madrasas in Malegaon responded to our call and submitted their petitions. These were then forwarded to the Planning Department with the recommendation of Ajit Pawar, who described the proposal as a special case. As a result, the government took a historic decision to approve a ₹5 crore grant for solar panels,” said Asif Sheikh Rasheed.
The approved grant allocates ₹5 lakh for big mosques and madrasas, while smaller institutions will receive ₹4 lakh each. This funding aims to provide a sustainable energy solution that aligns with the broader goals of moderszing educational and religious institutions in the state.
The Zakir Hussain Scheme, which has been running for over a decade, primarily focuses on the welfare and moderszation of madrasas. However, as Asif Sheikh Rasheed pointed out, “This is the first time a solar energy initiative has been included under the scheme, dueto our efforts and the support from Ajit Pawar’s Planning Department.”
The announcement was met with both praise and skepticism. Asif Sheikh Rasheed addressed concerns raised by Mufti Ismail Qasmi, the current Member of Assembly for Malegaon, who had expressed doubts about the initiative. “The Member of Assembly seems only familiar with the MLA fund. He may not fully understand the broader powers and schemes the government has released for the benefit of the people,” Rasheed remarked. He assured the public that the Zakir Hussain Madrasa Board Scheme is a legitimate government initiative aimed at improving the infrastructure of religious institutions, including the new addition of solar panels.
The people of Malegaon have welcomed the government’s decision, with community leaders urging other mosques and madrasas across the state to take advantage of this scheme. The timing of this announcement is also noteworthy, as Maharashtra is preparing for upcoming assembly elections.
Among the 110 mosques and madrasas set to receive solar panels are prominent institutions like Madrasah and Masjid Yusuf Ugadi, Umm Mukhtar Madrasah and Mosque, and Madrasa and Masjid Sangmeswar, to name a few. The grant aims to ensure that these religious institutions not only reduce their electricity costs but also contribute to a greener environment.
As the solar panel installations begin, this initiative is expected to serve as a model for other regions, showcasing how renewable energy can be integrated into the modernisation of religious and educational institutions across India.