Guwahati, May 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed his commitment to crack down on madrasas in the state, revealing plans to close down 300 additional madrasas.
The decision comes after a meeting between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the organizations responsible for running these religious schools, with a consensus reached regarding their closure.
During a public address, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the government’s intention to prioritize schools, colleges, and universities over madrasas. Earlier in March, he had announced the closure of 600 madrasas, and the latest move further underscores the state government’s efforts to reshape the educational landscape.
The controversial law introduced in Assam in 2020 mandated the conversion of all state-run madrasas into regular schools focusing on general education. The aim behind this policy shift is to promote a more inclusive and diverse educational environment.
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Assam currently has around 3,000 registered and unregistered madrasas, making it one of the significant regions for Islamic education in the state. The introduction of madrasa education into the Assam curriculum dates back to 1934 when it was incorporated, and the State Madrasa Board was established concurrently.
The closure of these madrasas is part of a broader initiative by the Assam government to reform the education system and provide a more comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for students. By redirecting resources and attention towards conventional schools, the government aims to enhance the quality of education and equip students with skills relevant to today’s dynamic world.
However, the decision to close madrasas has sparked debates and drawn criticism from various quarters. Advocates of madrasa education argue that these institutions have been instrumental in preserving cultural and religious values while providing religious education alongside conventional subjects. They express concerns that shutting down madrasas may deprive Muslim students of their religious and cultural heritage.
As the process of closing down these madrasas progresses, the government is expected to provide alternative educational opportunities for affected students, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to their academic pursuits. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the educational landscape of Assam and the future of students currently enrolled in madrasas.
