Education system in madrassas to be restructured: Sibal

Education system in madrassas is set to witness a restructuring with Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal saying these institutions will impart professional training along with religious teachings to empower Muslim youth.        

However, he clarified that the ministry will not interfere with the religious teachings in madrassas.        

"Some announcement will be made on that. It will be part of the 100-day agenda. When I talk about restructuring education, we will not interfere with the religious teaching in madrassas. But at the same time, the aim will be to empower Muslim youth," Sibal told PTI in an interview.        

"The objective is to ensure that when the Muslim youth go out of schools, they get job opportunities. We will ensure that they have skills and they are equipped with the kind of education that enables them to be part of the mainstream," he said.        

The government has already decided to treat madrassa qualification at par with CBSE to enable Muslim students to get Central government jobs.

However, this benefit will be available for those madrassas which are affiliated to the state madrassa boards existing in 10 states.

Emphasising on expansion, inclusiveness and excellence, Sibal said, "We are going to have a thorough reform of the educational system both at school level — primary, secondary and higher education — in context access, equity and quality."        

Expressing concern over drop-outs in schools, the minister said this takes place at every level in the country and it was "our duty to get them into schools.        

"Our efforts will be to ensure that no child should be out of school in the next five years."        

He said to ensure quality, the country needs a lot of teachers' training institutes. For equity, the government will enhance the measures to provide education to all sections, including Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and the Muslims.