Rights for minority institutions of Tamil Nadu

Minority educational institutions may appeal to the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions if no objection certificate for change of stream is not given by the State government, said Chairman of the Commission Justice M.S.A.Siddiqui.

Responding to a query pertaining to change of streams by minority institutions here on Sunday at a seminar on ‘Rights and opportunities for minority institutions of Tamil Nadu,’ he said "The commission will safeguard the rights of the minority institutions within the legal parameters."

The commission is also empowered to issue NOC for establishment of certain professional colleges such as medical and dental colleges by minorities. If the application for NOC is rejected by the State government, the appeal has to be made within 30 days of rejection of the application, he said.

"A State minority commission does not have power to declare minority status for an institution," said Justice Siddiqui.

Such power rests with the Centre, State Government and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, he said.

He asked the minority institutions to file the appropriate petition to the State government and retain the proof of filing the application. "If the State government is not responding for four or five months, approach the commission. The Commission has been granting minority status to institutions," said Justice Siddiqui.

"If the State government has granted a temporary minority certificate for institutions, the Commission is also empowered to issue a permanent certificate. It is the fundamental right of minorities," he added.

Chairperson of the National Commission on Girls Education Shabistan Gaffar said Muslim girls were facing a lot of challenges in education. "We are trying to organise seminars at the state level and create awareness on the need for empowerment of girls," she said.

Joint Secretary of SIET Bader Sayeed stressed the need for a debate on the absence of provisions of the Right to Education Act with regard to Madarassas.