By Muslim Mirror Staff
The recent decision by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) to close down the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) serves as a stark illustration of the BJP government’s alleged efforts to hinder the educational pursuits of marginalized Muslim students. This move also highlights the apparent contradiction within the BJP’s rhetoric of “sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas” (inclusive growth for all).
Established to advance education among the educationally disadvantaged segments of society, the Maulana Azad Education Foundation has operated with full funding from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Notably, the Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs serves as the ex-officio President of the Foundation. Since its registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 on July 6, 1989, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in fostering educational empowerment.
The order, issued by the minority ministry’s under-secretary Dhiraj Kumar on February 7, abruptly shuts down the Foundation without providing any substantive rationale. This decision comes despite Maulana Azad’s significant contributions as a revered freedom fighter and India’s first Education Minister, under whose guidance seminal institutions like the IITs and AIIMS were established, catalyzing advancements in technical and medical education.
The recommendation for the foundation’s closure, as outlined in the minority ministry’s circular, purportedly originates from the Central Waqf Council (CWC), which falls under the purview of the minority ministry and oversees educational programs for minorities. The Foundation, as a voluntary and non-profit organization, has extended vital support to educational institutions operated by minorities, particularly benefiting Muslim schools that often face funding challenges compared to other minority groups.
Under its initiatives such as the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Skill Development Training Scheme and the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship scheme, the Foundation has endeavored to enhance employment prospects for minority youths and provide scholarships to meritorious girls from religious minorities. The abrupt closure of the Foundation jeopardizes the continuity of these essential programs, impacting countless individuals.
The closure order entails the termination of forty-three contractual employees, further exacerbating the repercussions of this decision. Despite the Foundation’s substntial funds, totaling Rs. 1073.26 crore as of November 30, 2023, and a liability of Rs. 403.55 crore, MoMA has directed the transfer of surplus funds to the Consolidated Fund of India.
The order mandates the transfer of fixed assets and manpower to the Central Waqf Council, with the latter assuming administrative responsibility for the affected employees. The fate of these employees remains uncertain, subject to legal proceedings initiated by the Foundation.
In light of these developments, MoMA’s directive calls for swift closure proceedings, underscoring the urgency of the situation. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the closure decision raises questions about the government’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable access to education for all minority communities.
Thousands of Muslim students and hundreds of Muslim educational institutions were benefiting from different schemes run by the Foundation every year.
Indian Muslim