Will skill training help curb madrasa influence?

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a bid to address the challenges of growing threat from the dreaded Islamic State militant group to madrasas going youngsters, the government has come out with a strategy that will focus on skill development programmes.

As per a report in the Dailymail, the government wants to ensure that the youngsters attending these madarsa education rather get employment-oriented training so that they can find a job for themselves.

The Dailymail further states that, to begin with, four madrasas will carry out projects for skill training for 1,200 students. These are Hussaini Masjid Darul Madrasa in Mumbai, Idara-e-Sharia Khajur Banna in Patna, Anjuman Islamia Madrasa, Motihari, Bihar, and Islamia Anjuman Rafagul Muslamin, East Champaran, Bihar.

The joint strategy by Ministry of Home Affairs, in consultation with the Ministry of Minority Affairs stresses upon skill development of the madarsa goers.

Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla had two months ago said that the government has a budget of over Rs 3,700 crore out of which Rs 2,000 crore is being earmarked for skill development and scholarship programme.

She said that government is providing scholarships for various courses including technical training and coaching for civil services examination.

It may also be recalled that the government is providing computers and internet facilities at Madarsa under Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS) scheme for upgrading abilities and training.