Government mulls madrasa-like grant for Vedic, Warkari schools

Buckles under pressure to address vote-bank imbalance ahead of general polls

MUMBAI: Following allegations levelled by right-wing parties that the state’s decision to offer a grant to madrasas is appeasement of minorities ahead of general elections, the government is likely make a similar provision for institutes imparting Vedic and Warkari education.
The suggestion came up in Wednesday’s cabinet meeting when ministers Patangrao Kadam and Jaidutta Khirsagar discussed the issue. The cabinet then considered a demand raised by the Warkaris (Bhakti sect). The bureaucrats were asked to prepare a proposal for giving aid to Vedic and Warkari schools.
On September 4, the cabinet had approved Rs10 crore for the 200 madrasas in the state. There are 1,889 madrasas in Maharashtra, in which 1,45,995 students are enrolled. The facility will apply to madrasas registered with the state charity commissioner. Under the scheme, madrasas will get a number of benefits, such as special grants to develop infrastructure and scholarships for student

The scheme is voluntary and those unwilling to avail the grant will be given as grants to madrasas for renovation a one-time grant for building libraries will be given as annual scholarships to some 600 students may refuse the state funds. In fact, some madrasas in central Maharashtra have refused the scheme fearing interference from government authorities.
The grant is subject to certain conditions — the institute must On September 4, the cabinet approved 10 crore for 200 madrasas in the state. teach subjects such as science and mathematics as per the state board syllabus and the students must take the SSC board examinations. Sources in the government said that similar conditions would apply to Vedic and There are 1,889 madrasas in Maharashtra, in which 145,995 students are enrolled. Wakari schools.
“We don’t have the number of Vedic or Warkari schools available. We will study the issue before finalising the policy,” a state government official said.
President o f Wa r k a r i The facility will apply to madrasas registered with the state charity commissioner. A week after it approved grants for madrasas, the cabinet agreed in-principle to allow sops for Vedic and Warkari schools. The Warkari sect is one of the most powerful religious groups in the state. With several crore people following the sect, the government cannot afford to invite their ire ahead of the general elections. In fact, many ministers and senior leaders are associated with the sect. Prabodhan Mahasamiti, Rameshwar Shastri Maharaj, said Warkari organisations operate some 3000 schools in the state. “We will need at least Rs100 crore annually in government grant,” he said