National Commission for Minorities chief Rizvi hails minorities scholarship scheme, says 'It'll lead to a huge change'

The Modi government's announcement of a huge scholarship scheme which is planned to cater to 5 crore minority students over the next five years was highly appreciated by Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi, the Chairperson of National Commission for Minorities.

Reacting to the scheme which will apply to over 5 crore students across madrassas, Rizvi highlighted that the move was in line with the 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' mantra and said: "The move will lead to a huge change since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier assured everyone's progress". 

He spoke about how the move would also help combat poverty, which he put forth as being a reason for lack of quality education. "Modi government's efforts to help the minorities will further be strengthened with this move. It will thoroughly help to tackle poverty".

Further, Rizvi also said how that it was necessary to overhaul the syllabus in the madrassas:

"It is necessary that modern syllabus should also be included in the madrassa curriculum" 

He also pointed out that "Along with the scheme, there are also plans for building new schools and many other facilities." 

When asked whether the scheme which guarantees scholarship to 50 percent minority girls will curb the dropout rates and bring about a change wherein more girls will complete their education, Rizvi said that he is confident that there will be a decline in the dropout rates. He also said that madrassas which have not registered should immediately come forward and register themselves, so that the benefits of these schemes apply to everyone. 

On Tuesday, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said several scholarships such as pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means will be provided to 5 crore students from minority communities, including 50 percent girls, in the next five years through this program. The madrassa program is due to be launched next month. In addition, schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, girls hostels, gurukul-type residential schools and common service centres are being constructed on a war-footing under the Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram (PMJVK) in areas devoid of educational infrastructure.