No fresh enrollment in madrassas from April 2021: Himanta Biswa Sarma

'SECULARIZATION' OF EDUCATION SECTOR

* Move to ensure that general curricula under SEBA are introduced against theological ones

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: To carry forward secularization of education by not funding theological teaching anymore, the government-run madrassas in the State will stop admission from April 1, 2021 to make way for introduction of the general curricula in them under the SEBA (Board of Secondary Education, Assam). In fact, the word 'madrassa' will be a history in such institutions.

In sync with this, all government Arabic colleges in the State will also stop admission of students for theological courses from April 1, 2021 to make way for the introduction of general subjects in them under the ASHEC (Assam State Higher Secondary Council).

Talking to the media here on Monday, Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "The government has taken such a decision to secularize the Education sector. Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla as the Premier of Assam set up the madrassas in the State in 1934; and started imparting theological teaching at the cost of the government exchequer. That chapter is going to end in April 2021. The Cabinet has approved the decision to close all forms of government-funded theological teachings.

"We're going to introduce a Bill in the winter session of the Assembly to repeal the existing laws for madrassa education in the State. We can also continue reforms in madrassa education by bringing an ordinance or by framing rules. We're going to do it by next week.

"We've chosen April 2021 to let the final-year students of madrassas and Arabic colleges to complete their respective courses. Madrassa and Arabic students undergoing intermediate courses will continue till March 31, 2022. This is to allow them to complete their courses.

"Assam has 141 government-run high madrassas and 542 madrassas. With the closure of these institutes, the Madrassa Board will be dissolved as all these institutions will come under SEBA's fold. In the same way, all government-run Arabic colleges that will come under the AHSEC will also stop teaching theological subjects like the Holy Quran, Fiqh, Hadith, Usul Al Fiqh, Aquaid, Tafsir, Faraid etc. Arabic, however, will continue as a language subject. The government has nothing to do with the privately-run madrassas if they follow the conditions laid down for them."

On the fate of Sanskrit tols, Sarma said, "The State has 97 provincialized Sanskrit tols. All such institutes will be converted to research centres for certificate and diploma courses under 'Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University'. Studies of ancient literature, ancient tradition, philosophy of India as well as that of Assam and the Northeast will be carried out in such centres."

Also Read: Assam Cabinet takes slew of decisions including monetary relief for erosion-hit people

Also Watch: Anti-CAA Protests in Assam: AJYCP Hold Protest Rally in Naharkatia