Bahraich:
A surprising inspection in a madrasa in Bahraich has unveiled the regret of education there, said that none of its class 10 students can write their names in English.
Concerned, the authorities issued a warning and a notice to the madrasa and asked the madrasa to focus on subjects other than Arabic and Persian.
Karari Irfan, a faculty member of the seminary, said that 15 students have been nominated in class 10 so far, and 10 of them were present during Monday’s surprise inspection.
The acting Principal (Nab Principal) of the madrasa, Maulana Shamsuddin said, “Students asked to write in English, they are new to this madrasa. They are weak in English and cannot perform for satisfaction of inspection officers. We will organize separate classes for struggling students.”
District Minority Welfare Officer Sanjay Mishra told reporters on Monday that a surprise inspection was done at Madrasa Jamia Gazia Sayyedul Uloom, a recognized Madrasa Jamia in Badi Takia area.
One of the teachers was found absent, although this attendance was not recorded in the register, Mishra said and also noted that the attendance of students in scribes, clerics and elims classes was much lower than the registered number.
“During the inspection, class 10 students were asked to write their names and the madrasa in English. But no one could do so,” he claimed and said that Madrasa’s attention was largely limited to Arabic and Persian studies, which was paying very little attention to other subjects.
This has given rise to a “dangerous” academic situation, the official said, “Ignoring the widespread education of the students is playing with their future.” Officials have warned the madrasa to strict action if immediate steps are taken to improve the quality of education. Notices have been sent to madrasa management and absent teachers.
Shamsuddin said that apart from providing religious education, Madrasa had made provisions to teach English, Hindi, Mathematics and Science. “This is why a science teacher was appointed. But instead of these subjects, Arabic, Persian and Urdu were given more emphasis.” “However, since the implementation of the NCERT course … we have now started focusing on all subjects. It is better for the future of children that they are not only limited to becoming Alims (religious scholars), but also have opportunities in other areas,” he said.
In view of the warning of the Minority Welfare Officer, “We have now prepared a timetable to teach all subjects for teachers”, the acting principal said.
Complaint about the officer that very few students of Munshi, Maulvi, and ALIM classes are in attendance in the madrasa, Irfan said that the madrasa has so far enrolled 350 students for this academic session and admission is still going on.
The teacher said that the student’s count is expected to increase as the admission is released.
The madrasa has a three-level academic structure. Class 1 to 5, classified as primary level, is called “Darja Tethania”; Class 6 to 8, junior level, known as “Darja Fukania”, while classes 9 to 12, including high school and intermediate levels, are called “Darja Alia”. IRFAN further stated that teachers who handle classes up to 10 are traditionally titled “Maulvi” or “Munshi”, while those teaching classes 11 and 12 are titled “Alim”.
There are 301 recognized Madras in Bahraich district. In addition, a recent survey has identified 495 unfamiliar madrasas in the district, according to officials.
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