Maharashtra Minority Commission Calls for Survey of Minority Schools Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

Maharashtra: In a move aimed at improving educational standards, Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Jiya Khan has called for a comprehensive survey of all minority schools in the state. This includes an evaluation of their educational quality and accountability, particularly highlighting concerns over the declining standards in Muslim minority schools.

The call to action follows a recent controversy at an Urdu school in Akola, where a teacher allegedly faced sexual harassment. Khan has also recommended the revocation of minority status and approval for 22 Urdu schools in the state, including the Akola school, due to allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Complaints have emerged about bribery in teacher appointments and extortion by the management, with some teachers alleging that they were forced to pay up to 30% of their salaries to retain their positions.

Khan emphasized that these institutions have been misusing their minority status to bypass essential regulations, including the Right to Education (RTE) Act. He stated that many schools appoint unqualified relatives to teaching positions, exacerbating the decline in education quality.

While Khan’s call for reform has sparked strong reactions, with some defending the minority status of schools, many agree that action must be taken to prevent further jeopardizing the future of students.

As of the 2023-2024 academic year, there are 5438 Urdu-medium schools in Maharashtra, with significant numbers in Mumbai and its suburbs. The state’s total minority schools enrolled over 2.7 lakh students from minority groups.