Most madrasas don’t teach science, maths, social studies: study

The survey was conducted by Students’ Islamic Organisation of India

The study assigned scores to the madrasas based on factors such as infrastructure, community participation, teaching environment, innovative activities, faculty, and integration of secular and religious education.

Playgrounds, computer labs, and quality education in science and mathematics — these are some of the features that make “model madrasas”. However, many madrasas in the State do not come close to this, according to a study by the Students’ Islamic Organisation of India, Karnataka chapter.

The study covered 55 madrasas across the State and found that 80 per cent of the students did not have access to science, mathematics and social science subjects, while over half of them did not have access to English.

Thouseef Ahmed M.Y., SIO State president, said there was a need to make mathematics, social studies and science subjects compulsory in madrasas.

“Those studying in madrasas are well-versed in Urdu, Arabic and Islamic texts, but this alone is not sufficient as we live in a pluralistic society. These institutions need to upgrade themselves and teach other subjects so that students are not isolated,” he said.

‘Students have low self-esteem’

The study also states that many students pursuing studies in madrasas had low self-esteem as they were not equipped with basic knowledge of other subjects. Some of the other recommendations of the study include setting up a committee to study the infrastructure requirements in madrasas, appointing physical education teachers and providing sports equipment, and setting up a non-governmental body to regulate madrasas.

The study assigned scores to the madrasas based on factors such as infrastructure, community participation, teaching environment, innovative activities, faculty, and integration of secular and religious education.

The Directorate of Urdu and Other Minority Language Institutions, under the Department of Public Instruction, has 323 registered madrasas. However, the number could be much more as it is not mandatory for them to register.

Six model madrasas

Interestingly, the study not only presents a dismal picture of madrasas but also throws light on six model madrasas across Karnataka, which have integrated basic sciences and mathematics in their curriculum and have given importance to contemporary social and political issues.

One of these is the Madrasa Baithul Uloom in Sindagi of Vijayapura district that has 400 girls and 200 boys. The madrasa has a playground, library, computers and students are taught English, Kannada, science, mathematics and social science along with secular and religious teachings.