The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) chairperson, Priyank Kanoongo has expressed grave concern over the ‘radical’ curriculum being taught in Bihar’s government funded Madrasas.

In a social media post on X, he claimed that certain books like ‘Talimul Islam’ are being used in these institutions. These books allegedly refer to non Islamic people as ‘Kafirs’. He also expressed concerns over the enrollment of Hindu children in these institutions. Continuing further, he alleged that the Bihar government is withholding official data on the number of such students.

According to Mr. Kanoongo, the Bihar Madarsas board informed that UNCEF India was involved in preparing the curriculum. He said, “This is the height of appeasement by the UNICEF and Madrasa board. It is not UNICEF’s job to create radical curriculum using money received as donations and grants from governments in the name of child protection.”

He alleged that funds are being misused for activities beyond the scope of RTE. Thereby, violating the constitution of India and the United Nations Child Rights Committee (UNCRC). He urged the the United Nations in India to investigate into this matter. However, a reply from them is yet to come.

बिहार राज्य में सरकारी फ़ंडिंग से चलने वाले मदरसों में तालिमुल इस्लाम व ऐसी ही अन्य किताबें पढ़ाई जा रहीं हैं,इस किताब में ग़ैर इस्लामिकों को काफ़िर बताया गया है।
इन मदरसों में हिंदू बच्चों को भी दाख़िला दिए जाने की सूचना मिली है परंतु बिहार सरकार संख्या अनुपात की अधिकारिक… pic.twitter.com/vjySGSjxrQ

— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) August 18, 2024

‘Pakistan Published Books’-

He alleged that some of the books taught in madrasas are published in Pakistan. The content of these texts is currently being investigated. He said, “Madrasa is not a place for basic education of children in any form, children should study in school and Hindu children should not be in Madrasas at all, Madrasa Board should be dissolved.”

Kanoongo’s allegations follow the Madhya Pradesh government’s announcement regarding physical verification of students enrolled in state-funded Madarsas. Following this, the government has asked the authorities to do a physical verification of the students enrolled. It has also called for cancellation of the registration of Madarsas where fake entries have been made. The government has also instructed the authorities to verify whether the students are being forced to study any religious text etc. without the consent of their parents.