The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has called for an investigation into the establishment of ‘open schools’ by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, an Islamic organisation, in collaboration with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The NCPCR alleges that these institutions are involved in an organised crime by diverting minor children from formal education and providing them with Islamic education under the guise of ‘open schools.’
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), overseen by the Government of India, has reportedly found that the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has set up the Jamiat Open School, mirroring the NIOS structure, to offer ‘mainstream’ education to Madrasa students.
Dr. Shoaib Raza Khan, Assistant Director at NIOS, hailed this initiative as groundbreaking, expressing readiness to support Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. However, the NCPCR insists on an immediate inquiry, questioning the necessity of such ‘open schools’ when the government has already established approximately 15 lakh schools across the country providing elementary education.
In a letter to NIOS, the NCPCR emphasised the constitutional right of children to formal education under Article 21A and urged the discontinuation of courses offered by these ‘open schools.’ The Commission argued that children in Madrasas should be integrated into the formal education system to access entitlements like the Midday Meal, uniform, and trained teachers.
Accusing Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind of violating constitutional and legal provisions, the NCPCR called for an inquiry into NIOS officers allegedly complicit in legitimising this violation.
The Jamiat Open School’s website suggests its aim to enhance the role of Madrasa students as religious leaders, although it claims to promote formal education. However, the curriculum predominantly includes Urdu, Arabic, Psychology, Business Studies, and Indian History, with prerequisites for admission being affiliation with an Islamic institution, Madrasa graduation, or formal education dropout status.
The NCPCR has instructed NIOS to furnish details regarding associated institutions, teacher qualifications, and student enrollment. This move follows NCPCR’s ongoing efforts to integrate Madrasa students into the formal education system, including previous directives to investigate government-funded madrasas admitting non-Muslim children.
Citing Article 28(3) of the Constitution, which prohibits religious teaching without parental consent, the NCPCR underscored that while Madrasas are primarily responsible for religious education, government-funded ones tend to provide minimal formal education.
