File picture of students and teachers at a Dhubri madarsa

Guwahati, Oct. 18: The Badruddin Ajmal-stung Congress government has sought Rs 50 crore from the Centre to modernise madarsa education in Assam before the 2011 Assembly elections, ostensibly aimed at winning back the loyalty of the minority group which plays a big role in deciding who sits in Dispur.

A source in the Congress said the prime objective of the move was to “attract and earn” the loyalty of the young voters from the minority group by upgrading the education imparted through the madarsas.

The move is a direct fallout of the rising clout of the All India United Democratic Front, which was born as the Assam United Democratic Front in 2005.

Congress members admit that the performance of the AIUDF — floated by businessman-turned-politician Badruddin Ajmal — in the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year was a cause for concern.

Though the party won only one seat, it contributed to the defeat of Congress candidates in at least five seats, including the Silchar seat held by south Assam’s strongman and former Union minister Sontosh Mohan Deb.

With the AIUDF ruling out a merger, as sought by the Congress, the ruling party has reasons to worry about its prospects in the 2011 elections.

In the 2006 Assembly elections, the AUDF, as it was known then, had won 10 seats, a very encouraging beginning for a just-formed party.

“The minority cell of the Assam PCC has put tremendous pressure on the government to modernise the madarsa education to prevent erosion of minority votes because of various reasons, including the emergence of the AIUDF,” the source said.

The Tarun Gogoi government’s blueprint to modernise madarsa education envisions inclusion of all 633 madarsas recognised by the State Madrassa Board under its annual financial scheme from the next financial year.

Of the 633 madarsas recognised by the State Madrassa Board, 325 get annual financial assistance from the government. Altogether 74 madarsas have been taken over by the Assam government, which receive funds annually like the mainstream schools in the state.

“According to the plan, modern subjects like mathematics, science and computer will be included in all madarsas from the next academic session. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi has already held several rounds of discussions with the directorate of madarsa education and the State Madrassa Board about the project,” the source said.

“Students from madarsas find it very difficult to get jobs. Students are forced to either remain in jobs related to Islamic teachings at mosques and madarsas. The government has planned that apart from Islamic studies, students will now be taught subjects necessary for a bright career,” he said.

Assam has four categories of madarsas — Arabic College, Title Madarsa, Senior Madarsa and Pre-senior Madarsa.

A pre-senior madarsa has students from Class V to Class VII, an Arabic College has students from Class V to post-graduation.

A title madarsa imparts two post-graduate classes and the senior madarsa comprises 10 classes from pre-senior to Fadilul-Marif degree (graduation in Islamic studies).

Abdul Qayam Al Ameen, secretary of State Madrasa Board said the government has given highest emphasis on computerisation of all madarsas in the state and training of teachers and students on how to use computers.

“Computers have opened a new world of knowledge. The study of mathematics, science and computer application will be included in the syllabus at all categories of madarsas. We are also trying to introduce other technical, vocational and job-oriented courses,” Ameen said.

Madarsa teachers are also undergoing training in modern teaching methodology imparted by various organisations, including the National Council of Education Research and Training.