Arif Masood Says Madrasa Inspections Must Not Scare Children

Bhopal, October 29: Congress MLA Arif Masood has criticised the recent surprise inspections of madrasas in Madhya Pradesh, saying the process has created fear among students and must stop.

Masood acknowledged that the chairperson of the Child Welfare Commission and officials have a constitutional right to conduct inspections. He added that such visits can be unannounced. Yet, he said, if inspections reveal deficiencies, the proper response is to issue a notice to the management and seek improvement, not to adopt a hostile or targeted approach.

He claimed that the drive was being carried out in a manner that frightened children and that the media was spreading misleading reports by calling some books objectionable.

Describing the background, Masood said children are admitted to madrasas and gurukuls based on affidavits signed by their parents. He noted that these institutions and their teaching methods have a long history in the country and have functioned for years. He said Article 29 provides constitutional safeguards to such institutions and questioned why the present action was being taken.

Masood commended the district administration in the concerned area for acting with understanding. He also congratulated the city Qazi of Gwalior, the district Waqf committee, the Bhim Army and the Azad Party for expressing their concerns in a peaceful manner. According to him, the children were freed after four days, and without such collective efforts the situation could have become far more distressing.

He said good institutions deserve encouragement and that authorities should work to improve children's education. Specific problems, such as limited bathroom facilities, weak English instruction and food quality, can be addressed through directions to management. Such an approach, he said, would serve the institution fairly.

Masood also responded to a question about party reactions. He said the Congress state president and Umang Singhar had stood with the institutions on this matter. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of revealing a politics of fear and asked where the party was heading.