The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued summons to the chief secretaries of 11 states and Union territories, citing a “lack of action” in addressing the identification and admission of Hindu and other non-Muslim children enrolled in madrasas. This move comes in response to the commission’s directive issued a year ago, emphasizing the violation of Article 28(3) of the Constitution, which prohibits educational institutions from imposing religious instruction without parental consent.

Madrassas, traditionally responsible for providing religious education, have been noted by the commission for imparting both religious and formal education in government-funded or recognized institutions. Despite continuous appeals over the past year, the NCPCR contends that states have neglected their duty to identify and shift non-Muslim children from madrassas to mainstream schools.

Commission chairperson Priyank Kanoongo revealed that the NCPCR had persistently urged all states and Union territories to take action in relocating non-Muslim children from madrassas to conventional schools and providing basic education to those enrolled in unmapped, unrecognized madrassas.

In response to the lack of progress, the NCPCR has summoned the chief secretaries of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Telangana. The summons instructs the chief secretaries to appear in person before the commission to clarify the reasons for non-action and provide details on madrassas. The specified dates for appearances range from January 12 to January 18, with each chief secretary expected to address the matter directly.

Source: PTI