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Concerns over madrasa grants and ‘corporate jihad’
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Call to restore Maratha map in textbooks, and end paid darshan in temples
Kudal, Maharashtra – Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and the Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh have submitted a memorandum outlining several key demands to the government and administration in Sindhudurg district.
The memorandum was submitted at the Kudal Tehsildar office and accepted by Naib Tehsildar Amarsingh Jadhav. It has been addressed to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of State for Home, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and other administrative authorities.
The memorandum states that the grant of ₹50 lakh provided to 308 madrasas under the Dr Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernisation Scheme should be immediately stopped in order to uphold the constitutional principle of equality.
It also calls for strict action in cases of ‘corporate jihad’, incidents involving harassment of Hindu women, and instances of religious pressure reported in cities including Nashik.
Additionally, there is a demand to reinstate the map of the Maratha Empire that was removed from the Class 8 NCERT textbook.
The memorandum also calls for an end to paid darshan practices in temples and for the appointment of devout devotees, rather than political functionaries, in temple trusts.
On this occasion, Anand Naik, Chandrashekhar Tulsakar, Shivram Parab, Satish Samant Dinge, Vasudev Sadvlekar, Mangesh Sonar, Aarti Kopdar, Sumitra Jadhav, Shravani Jadhav, Manali Sonar, Neeta Patil and several other devotees were present.
The administration was warned that if these demands are not considered seriously, a democratic statewide public movement will be initiated.
Key demands in the memorandum
1. Halt grants to madrasas
The memorandum calls for a survey of all madrasas in Maharashtra, similar to Uttar Pradesh, to investigate financial irregularities and inflated student numbers.
It states that if the government provides funding for religious education, then, in line with equality, Vedic schools, Warkari Shikshan Sansthas, and other Hindu religious institutions should also receive financial support proportionate to their population.
It also calls for regular monitoring of madrasa curricula by the Education Department and intelligence agencies.
2. Investigation into ‘corporate jihad’ and related cases
In view of the seriousness of cases linked to ‘love jihad’ in Nashik, the memorandum demands the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers to conduct a time-bound inquiry.
It also calls for cancellation of business licences of institutions where cases of harassment or religious pressure against women have been reported.
3. Reinstate Maratha empire map
There is a demand to restore the Maratha Empire map removed from the Class 8 textbook.
The memorandum also calls for an inquiry into the officials responsible for this decision and appropriate action against them. It emphasises the need to give due recognition to Indian rulers instead of unnecessary glorification of the Mughals.
4. End paid Darshan in temples
The memorandum states that paid darshan systems in temples are unjust, as they create inequality among devotees. It is particularly unfair to economically weaker devotees, who may be deprived of darshan due to lack of funds. The practice has been termed a violation of religious rights, and its immediate abolition has been demanded.
In conclusion, it was stated that the government should prioritise these demands; otherwise, a wider public movement will be launched.