The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked all states and Union Territories (UTs) to conduct an inquiry into all recognised and government-funded Madrassas that admit non-Muslim children. In a letter to all chief secretaries, NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo noted children belonging to non-Muslim communities are attending government-funded or recognised madrassas, as per a report by PTI.
The letter read, "It is also learnt by the commission that some States and Union Territories are providing them with scholarships too. It is a clear-cut violation and contravention of Article 28(3) of the Constitution of India that prohibits educational institutions from obligating the children to take part in any religious instruction, without the consent of the parent."
Moreover, the commission said the Madrassas as institutions are mainly responsible for imparting religious education to children. Additionally, it is learnt that those madrassas funded or recognised by the government are imparting both religious and to some extent formal education to children, it added.
"In view of the above facts, the commission, in exercising its powers recommends a detailed inquiry of all government-funded/recognised madrassas that are admitting non-Muslim children in your states and Union Territories," the letter read.
Giving details about the inquiry, the letter stated "The inquiry should include physical verification of children attending such madrasas. Subsequent to the inquiry, admit all such children in schools for availing formal education." Moreover, the commission also asked the states and Union Territories "to map all unmapped madrasas in your states and Union Territories and admit any or all children into schools for availing formal education with immediate effect", as stated in a report by PTI.
