Assam: State board will not conduct any ‘High Madrassa’ exam, says Himanta Biswa

GUWAHATI: The Assam Education and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday the State Board will not conduct any ‘High Madrassa’ examinations for the High Madrassa schools from 2022 onwards.  

The Minister in a press conference today went on to explain the difference between the general education system such as collegiate school and madrassa school i.e. an additional course on the Quran for 50 marks is taught in madrassa school. Therefore, the 50 marks paper on religious education i.e. teachings on the Quran will be discarded and the word 'High Madrassa' will be removed. 

It was further informed that the schools will be incorporated into the general education system such as a regular collegiate school. However only 10 percent of the course curriculum which comprised of religious education will be removed. On its elimination, these schools will become 'secular' in nature. 

 Theological courses will be closed from 2021. However, the teachers will be trained to impart knowledge in general education schools.  

Meanwhile, Academic activities will be looked after by the education council and SEBA and the administration will be headed by the Directorate of Secondary Education.  

Himanta Biswa Sarma also informed that the Sanskrit Tols will be reformed as well to study centres. Kumar Bhaskar Verma University will be providing a degree and diploma in Indian history and culture under Sanskrit and Ancient Studies. The previous examinations will be cancelled. 12. Sanskrit education boards will be eliminated as well.   

Tol education will be removed, however, Indian history and culture will be taught instead to the students of the Tols but the existing students will appear for their final examinations under the existing system. 

The Assam Government on Sunday announced its decision to approve the proposal to repeal provisions for madrassas and Sanskrit tols. It was further informed that the legislation to this effect will be introduced in the upcoming session of the Assembly.  

Informing about the government's decision a cabinet note said, "Repeal of provisions of madrasa and Sanskrit tolls. Act will be introduced in the coming session."  

However, further details of the decision will be known once the details of the legislation are out.