Kerala’s madrassas remain resilient amid national criticism

Muslim leaders and political groups in Kerala have rejected the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ (NCPCR) call to end government funding for madrassas. They argue that this will not affect institutions in the state as they already operate independently without such assistance.

Islamic scholar Abdul Samad Pookkottur pointed out that religious education, like general education, is a right and emphasized that madrassas in Kerala function without financial support from the government. He criticized the NCPCR directive and viewed it as an infringement on religious studies and minority rights.

Political parties from across the spectrum joined in denouncing the calls as unconstitutional, with CPI(M) and Congress leaders expressing concerns over communal polarization and threats to minority rights across the country.

(With input from agencies.)