By TwoCircles.net news desk
New Delhi: Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal is meeting a number of MPs on Oct 3rd to seek their opinion about the proposed Central Madarsa Board Bill 2009.
Here are some important highlights of the proposed Central Madrasa Board
The Board:
The Board will consist of a Chairperson and 15 members. One religious scholar from each of the maslak – Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-i-Hadith, Shafai, Shia, Dawoodi Bohra will be part of the board. Central Government will appoint these religious scholars from a panel of three names. One religious scholar who is an expert in traditional Madrasa system will have a seat.
The board will also have an equal number of representations from the “secular” section of the Muslim community. Six Muslims who have made outstanding contributions in social sciences, humanities, sciences, vocational training, and education will be nominated. At least two of the six members will be women. One Muslim philanthropist who has contributed for the education of Muslims will have a seat.
Membership to the Board will be for the period of three years and the Board will meet at least four times a year.
Area of work:
For the standardization of the non-theological aspects of Madarsa system education and it’s comprehensive, systematic and integrated development.
To promote education in non theological subjects without interfering in any manner in the theological content of Madarsa education
To promote and popularize the education of Muslim girls so as to eradicate gender-based educational disparity
To give scholarships to Madrasa students.
To maintain a register of madrasas.
Evaluation of the curriculum framework once in five years so as to make the Madarsa system of education a fit and effective tool for the educational empowerment of Muslims.
Recommend introduction of modern text books on any subject, other than religious texts, as extra reading to complement students’ knowledge of such subject and enhance overall modern scholarship.
Preparation, publication or sale of text-books and books, other than books on theology or religious texts, for use in affiliated Madarsas.
Provide, by regulations, after considering the recommendations of the Syllabus Committee, if any, the curriculum, the syllabus, the courses of studies to be followed and books to be studied in affiliated Madarsas for examinations instituted by the Board.
Teachers training.
Conceptualize and initiate programme for the consolidation of the inclusive society, marked by religious and cultural diversity, through proper interfaith understanding in society.
Adoption of a non-polemical approach to other religions and non-sectarian institutions, in a state of fidelity to the Islamic spiritual tradition.
Review the infrastructure requirements, including faculty position and to evaluate the academic health of the Madarsa and to make appropriate recommendations to the Madarsa concerned.
Annual report of the Board shall be presented in the Parliament.