Ban on co-ed in madrassas; Govt refuses to intervene

Earlier,the UPBME had banned co-education in madrassas across Uttar Pradesh,stating it is against the ‘spirit of Islam’.

“In Islam,parda (veil) is very important. By allowing co-education we promote ‘be-pardgi’ (women without veil),which is against Shariyat. “This is why we have directed all the madrassas to do away with the co-education system from this academic session. And we will ensure that this directive is followed in letter and spirit,” UPBME Chairman Haji Rizawan Haq had said.

Fatmi said the government will set up a Central Madrassa Board which will take care of all concerns of the students.

“Madrassas are now coming under the state madrassa boards. It is their responsibility to take decision (on their functioning),” Fatmi said.

A few thousand girl students in Uttar Pradesh are facing a gloom future in view of the decision of the UPBME. Uttar Pradesh has more than 16,000 madrassas of which only over 1,900 are affiliated to the UPBME.

Among the affiliated ones,there are around 170 madrassas for girls and rest are for boys,which were allowing co-education.