Encouraged by one of its students making it to the IAS and several others clearing the examinations conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Services Commission (TNPSC), the Azhagiya Kadan IAS Academy has decided to launch a coaching centre exclusively for Muslim girls in Chennai.
But the academy will not encourage the girls to opt for the IPS. “We are launching the academy in response to the request from girls from our community. We will train 25 girls in the first batch, for which the entrance test will be held on August 17,” said its administrative officer Arif Ahmed.
Moulana S. Shamsudeen Qasinin, Chief Imam of the Makka Majid on Annasalai, launched the academy in 2012 to help make up for the poor representation of minorities, especially the Muslims, in the administrative services. Mohammad Ashraf, one of its students, cleared the IAS examination, and around 10 students passed the Group-I and Group-II examinations conducted by the TNPSC recently.
Mr. Arif said all 25 girls would get free training, accommodation and food for one year. “Those who clear the preliminary examination will get further coaching. The academy has arranged accommodation at our Majid at Choolaimedu. The entrance examination will be held in Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Vellore, Tirunelveli, Krishnagiri and Madurai.”
Asked why the academy would not encourage the girls to sit for the IPS examination, Mr. Arif said the uniform in the police service would be irksome for the girls to adjust. “While our aim is to encourage them to enter the civil service, we also need to consider our religious sentiments. We will provide them with a perfect Islamic environment.”
“Merit will be the sole criterion for selection, but the economic background of the students will also be considered,” he added.
