BENGALURU: Madrasas across the state are getting a makeover under a `50 crore modernisation scheme being implemented by the Department of Minority Welfare. Under the scheme, madrasas are being equipped with computers and formal and modern education is being introduced from the current academic year. Under Phase 1, the department has shortlisted over 70 madrasas and each institute is eligible for funds ranging between `6 lakh and `10 lakh.
A senior official of the department said, “Children belonging to the Muslim community and admitted to madrasas are not getting formal and modern education. This scheme aims at bringing those kids to the mainstream by providing necessary modern facilities.”
According to the officials, the department has already received over 150 applications of which 70 have been shortlisted. “We are following certain guidelines for shortlisting madrasas. A committee has been constituted to visit the institutes and verify documents of the applicants. Institutes with a minimum of 25 students are entitled for the scheme,” they said.
Minority Welfare Department secretary Mohammed Mohsin said, “After providing funds for modernisation, the department will conduct surprise visits to check the status and utilisation of funds. Each beneficiary institute has to submit details of accounts. Unregistered institutions will not be covered under the scheme.” There was also a proposal to pay the salaries of the teachers appointed at madrasas, but it has been hold back for this year.
The department launched the scheme in 2016-17, but as there were no applications and clear guidelines to select institutions, it is being implemented from the current academic year. The scheme is open to all registered madrasas and applicants must produce details of accounts and audit reports for the last three years. The minimum number of students should be 25. A team also inspects each of the eligible institutes before funds are released. In case of non-utilisation of funds, the institutes have to return the funds to department.
“We take an undertaking from the selected institutes that they will pay back the unutilised funds. In case of any misappropriation, the department will initiate action and withdraw the fund and also conduct inquiry to withdraw their registration,” an official said.
What’s the scheme about
Providing computers to implement computer-based education, setting up of libraries, providing facilities like toilets and safe drinking water, hiring regular teachers to give formal education and providing basic infrastructure. While introducing formal education, the department has also mandated madrasas to teach English and Kannada languages to children