Outrage in MP over madrasa order on Independence Day celebrations

Bhopal: An order by Madhya Pradesh Madrasa Board to its affiliated schools in the state to “compulsorily” observe Independence Day and send pictures of activities organised on the occasion has triggered a controversy here.

A section of madrasa officials in MP on Saturday took strong exception to the order, saying that it amounted  to “putting to test our patriotism”. Gwalior  madrasa manager S. Khan said the madrasas in MP had been celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day and also, other occasions of national importance.

“However, the order to madrasas to take pictures of Independence Day celebrations, including hoisting of the Tricolour, cultural programmes on the occasion and tiranga rallies in the institutions, and to send them to the board clearly manifests lack of trust in the authorities of these educational institutions,” another madrasa official said.

Authorities of several madrasas in the state are planning to meet chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking appropriate action in the matter. Meanwhile, Opposition Congress slammed the order calling it “discriminatory” and “unnecessary”.

“The order is discriminatory. Why other government-run schools in the state have not been asked to send photographs of Independence Day celebrations to the higher authorities concerned?” a Congress spokesman asked.