Didn't Provide Data On Non-Muslim Students Enrolled In Madrassas, NCPCR Summons Chief Secretaries Of 11 States, UTs

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the leading child rights organisation, has called upon the chief secretaries from 11 states and Union territories. This is due to their perceived inaction in identifying Hindu and other non-Muslim children who are enrolled in madrassas, and facilitating their admission into schools.

Approximately a year ago, the NCPCR called for action, asserting that the enrollment of non-Muslim children in madrassas directly contradicts and breaches Article 28(3) of the Constitution, Indian Express reported.

The article stipulates that educational institutions are forbidden from requiring children to participate in any religious instruction without obtaining parental consent.

The commission has stated that madrassas, as institutions, primarily provide religious education to children. It has also been discovered that government-funded or recognised madrassas not only offer religious education, but also some degree of formal education.

Priyank Kanoongo, the Commission Chairperson, mentioned that the child rights body has persistently requested all states and union territories over the past year to identify non-Muslim and Hindu children attending or residing in madrassas, and arrange for their transfer and admission to schools.

The commission also requested all states and Union Territories to organise provisions for basic education for children registered in all unmapped and unrecognised madrassas.

The NCPCR, citing "inaction due to persistent disregard by states," issued summons to the chief secretaries of 11 states on Wednesday, seeking clarification on the issue, as per the NCPCR's statement.

The chief secretaries of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Telangana have been summoned.

The principal secretaries have been summoned by the commission to provide an in-person explanation for the "inaction" and to provide information about madrassas, as per the NCPCR summons copies that PTI currently holds.

The primary secretaries from Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh are expected to appear on 12 January, whereas those from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Goa are scheduled for 15 January.

The Chief Secretary of Jharkhand is due to be summoned on 16 January, followed by his counterparts from Karnataka and Kerala on 17 January. On 18 January, the Chief Secretaries of Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Telangana have also been called upon.