Madrasa education in India: analysis and policy recommendation for modernization

Abstract

Madrassa is an Arabic word which means an educational institution. Madrasa education seems to be working on old traditional pattern as there is no emphasis on any research. Madrasas are centers of free education. They are the nucleus of the cultural and educational life of Muslims. These Madrasas, as an invaluable instrument of traditional education, have played a vital role in spreading literacy among the down-trodden segments of the Muslim society. Only the poor segment of Muslim community is resigned to sending their `children to Madrasas which not only offer them free education but also free boarding and lodging. Most of the Madrasas are averse to the introduction of modern secular education. However, some of the Madrasas have introduced modern education complemented with religious education Nowadays marginalized Muslim communities are increasingly demanding more quality education from their Madrasas. But most of the Madrasas in India are privately owned and Madrasa leaders may not feel a need to fulfil the community desires. Although Muslim parents are attracted to the safe environment of these schools, they are aware that a purely religious education will not help their children to earn a decent living, because of outdated traditional methods and technique of teaching and learning, with a negative outlook towards modern subjects and also due to lack of innovations, experiments and researches. Therefore, research projects should be undertaken on various aspects of Madrasa education. Scholars associated with Madrasas and Jamias as well as with modern Universities should be encouraged to work meaningfully in the area of Madrasa education. If modern education is introduced in these Madrasas, it will certainly create conditions for promoting modern and secular outlook among students and empower them to participate as equal partners in an inclusive society. This policy paper is a modest attempt towards exploring and analyzing the role of Madrasa education in India, pointing out the shortcomings of present Madrasa education, understanding the existing policy concerning the issue and suggesting some remedial measures to improve the quality of Madrasa education for overall development of nation in general and Muslim community in particular.