Kolkata: Minority affairs and madrasa education minister Kshudiram Tudu on Wednesday assured support for students and teachers of unaided madrasas, stating the state government would examine extending welfare benefits, improving assistance to students, and increasing the remuneration of teachers.
Minister Highlights Madrasa Contributions
Speaking at a seminar organized by the Madrasa Oikya Mancha at Mahajati Sadan, Tudu said madrasas have made significant contributions to society and stressed the need to combine traditional religious education with modern subjects such as science, information technology, and languages.
Contrast with Previous Criticism
The minister's remarks stood in contrast to criticism of madrasas voiced by some BJP leaders in the past. Rather than questioning the role of these institutions, Tudu argued that government-recognized madrasas were performing well and that efforts should now focus on extending support to the unaided sector.
First Ministerial Attendance at Minority Event
This is also the first occasion an elected representative and a minister of the newly elected BJP government attended a program organized by a minority community body.
Addressing teachers, madrasa management representatives, and education stakeholders, Tudu praised the role played by madrasas in education and social development while assuring participants that the concerns of unaided institutions would receive the government's attention.
Specific Assurances
The minister said he would speak to the government about providing shoes, bags, and mid-day meals to students who currently receive only books and exercise books. In addition, steps would be taken to expand scholarships and other welfare facilities for students. He also said the government will review the remuneration of teachers who currently receive between Rs 6,000 and Rs 14,000 depending on their qualifications.
Response from Organizers
Sheikh Jawed Miandad, president of the Madrasa Oikya Mancha, said: "The minister assured us that he would take steps to ensure the students and the teachers of unaided madrasas receive benefits."
