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Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Saturday reiterated that his government is committed to take all measures for the development of minorities in the state.
Addressing a function to mark the inauguration of Aliah University at Rabindra Sadan, the chief minister, who also heads the state Minorities Development and Welfare department, said his government has taken a self-critical approach of what has been done and what needs to be done for offering minorities equal opportunities.
Referring to the Sachar Committee report, which according to him did not reflect the true status of Muslims in the state in some fields like land, health and education, he said, “Why are there fewer Muslims in government offices? The solution is proper education and training.”
Bhattacharjee announced introduction of new departments at the university, erstwhile Calcutta Madrasa College. The university will now boast of departments of religious studies, linguistics, education, nursing, pharmacy, public health and professional training. Besides, there is also a proposal for introducing business administration and information technology courses. “Religion is there. But science and technology be also there,” he asserted.
He went on to say that as religion (education) is required, so is science needed as a subject. He said that despite all criticism, his government would continue with its efforts to uplift minorities. “We are continuing with our efforts,” he said, adding that all communities would grow together.
Besides inaugurating the university, Bhattacharjee laid foundation stones of two hostels, announced financial support to students and NGOs working among minorities, and launched the website of the Board of Wakfs, West Bengal.
Among those present on the occasion were Assembly Speaker Hashim Abdul Halim, state minorities minister Abdus Sattar, Land and Land Reforms Minister Razzak Molla, chief government whip SM Masih and MP Ahmad Sayeed Malihabadi.
The inauguration assumes significance, as madrasa modernisation has remained a controversial issue in the state. While the bestowing of university status to the Calcutta Madrasa College ensures recognition of madrasa degrees, offering equal opportunities to students to compete for jobs, a section of Muslims are opposed to this idea. The reason: Introduction of general subjects would mean less stress on theology and dilution of Islamic subjects.
The state Assembly had passed the Aliah University Bill last year. It is expected that degrees, diplomas and certificates, to be offered by the university in days to come, will be treated on par with courses of other recognised universities.
At present, graduate and post-graduate courses are offered at Calcutta Madrasa College and in three senior madrasas.
The story over the centuries
* 1780: The Calcutta Madrasa, also known as Madrasa Aliah, founded for meeting educational demands of Muslims
* 1820s: An attempt was made to introduce English in the madrasa. The proposal was rejected but a separate department, the Anglo-Persian Department, was formed for teaching modern subjects. The Calcutta Madrasa also had a department of medicine during some part of the century. This department was later shifted to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.
* 2002: Kidwai Committee was formed to assess madrasa education. The committee submitted its report to the state government. It recommended transition of the Calcutta Madrasa into a deemed university.
* 2006: The state government declared Calcutta Madrasa a college in February. The College, so far regulated by the West Bengal Board of Madrasa Education, was freed. New curriculum introduced in graduate and post-graduate courses.
* 2007: The Aliah University Bill, 2007 drafted and approved by the state Assembly.
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