Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Rajasthan High Court has sought a response from the state government regarding the operation, control and academic supervision of around 3,000 madrasas functioning across the state. A bench comprising Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur and Justice Chandra Shekhar Sharma has directed the government to file an affidavit on the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for October 27.
The issue came up during the hearing of a petition filed by Pratipal Singh and others. The petition raises questions about the system of effective control and academic supervision in Rajasthan’s madrasas. The petitioners have brought issues concerning the quality of education, appointment of teachers and management arrangements in these institutions before the court.
The petitioners’ counsel referred to the Rajasthan Madrasa Board Act, 2020, and argued that it does not contain adequate provisions to ensure quality education and effective management of madrasas. The petition emphasizes the need to strengthen the existing system.
The petitioners have sought measures to ensure the appointment of qualified teachers in madrasas. They have also called for improvements in educational standards and greater transparency in the management of these institutions.
The petition also seeks better organization of institutional information related to madrasas. It proposes preparing a list of madrasas affiliated with the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education and the Central Board of Education. The petitioners have also called for aligning the educational system followed in madrasas with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
During the hearing, the High Court asked the state government to clarify the status of the operation and control of approximately 3,000 madrasas. The court directed the government to file an affidavit explaining how the arrangements for their administration, control and academic supervision currently function.
Following the court’s direction, the state government will now have to present its position on various aspects related to the madrasas. The court will consider the information provided in the government’s affidavit before proceeding further with the case.
At present, the central issues before the court concern the administrative and academic framework of madrasas. The petition raises matters including quality education, appointment of qualified teachers, transparent management and alignment of the education system with the National Education Policy 2020.
The Rajasthan High Court has not yet delivered a final judgment in the matter. For now, the court has sought a response and relevant information from the state government. The next hearing will take place on October 27, when the affidavit filed by the government is expected to be considered.
