Madrasa Controversy: Shiv Sena Supports BJP-Led Government in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Shiv Sena has supported the BJP-led Maharashtra government, which is under fire for its decision not to consider madrasas that do not teach primary subjects as schools.

An editorial in Saamna, the mouthpiece of alliance partner Shiv Sena, today read, "This move should not be seen as one which is pre-conceived or which is intended to strike a blow to religious education. On the contrary, this should be taken as a way to get Muslim children in the mainstream."

On Thursday, the government said madrasas which do not teach primary subjects such as English, Maths and Science would be considered as "non-schools" and children studying in them as "out of school" students.

Muslim community leaders have responded sharply to the decision. Though only 4% Muslim children go to madrasas, sources said the decision, coming on the state government's beef ban in March, is being perceived as "politics of intimidation" by the Muslim community.

Dr Mahmadoor Rehman, who was the chairman of the chief minister's study group on backwardness of Muslims in the previous government, has questioned the need of making the announcement in the holy month of Ramzan.

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"A very serious problems arises out of this because the seeds of the feeling of discrimination get implanted into their perception, into their mind and they indeed get subjected to discriminatory treatment in the social milieu," said Mr Rehman.

The state government claims the decision is applicable to other religious institutions too, including the Vedic schools. It is necessary to bring these schools into the mainstream under the provisions of the Right to Education Act, the government contends.

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"Given the situation, this could have been handled in a much more sensitive way," Author and Columnist Anil Dharker told NDTV. For example, the government could have given the time limit and said do this, we need you to reform."