₹10 Lakh Government Grant Sanctioned under Madrasa Modernisation Scheme
Applications open until November 13; 20 Mumbai madrasas already benefiting
EC News Desk
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a grant of ₹10 lakh per year to eligible madrasas under the Dr. Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernisation Scheme aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure and integrating modern learning within traditional Islamic seminaries. According to the Education Department, applications will be accepted until November 13, and around 304 madrasas along with 100 schools and colleges have already been shortlisted for the grant. A senior official from the department confirmed that the funds will be released within the next few months and must be spent strictly according to government rules and expenditure guidelines.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The government has clarified that only registered madrasas fulfilling all necessary formalities will be eligible for the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria: Madrasas must meet specific conditions to receive the funds:
>They should be registered with the state Waqf board.
>All students must be simultaneously enrolled in a nearby government school for regular education.
>The madrasa must engage teachers (hired on a contract basis) to teach modern subjects, certified by the district education officer.
>Only one madrasa is permitted per building.
Application Requirements: Each applicant must submit comprehensive documentation, including:
Registration certificate
>Bank account details
>Aadhaar and PAN card copies
>Information about teachers and students associated with the institution
The Education Department emphasized that institutions must ensure accuracy while applying online, as incomplete or incorrect submissions will lead to disqualification.
20 Mumbai Madrasas Already Benefiting
An Education Department officer revealed that around 20 madrasas in Mumbai are currently benefiting from the scheme. These institutions have complied with all required procedures and have been recognized for actively contributing to educational upliftment. He explained that the aim of the initiative is to provide financial assistance for teacher training, infrastructural improvement, modern learning tools, and digital resources, ensuring madrasas can deliver both religious and modern education effectively.
Committee Formed for Fair Distribution
To ensure transparency, the government has constituted a supervisory committee comprising senior education officers and representatives of madrasa management boards. The committee will verify applications, confirm eligibility, and monitor the fair distribution of funds.
In a recent meeting, the committee stressed that the grant must be used solely for educational enhancement. Any diversion of funds will be treated as a violation of policy.
Promoting Educational Modernisation
Officials highlighted that the Madrasa Modernisation Scheme seeks to incorporate science, mathematics, and computer studies into madrasa syllabi without interfering with religious education.
“This initiative is designed to raise the intellectual and academic standards of madrasa students and bring them closer to mainstream educational systems,” the officer said, noting that the government is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all communities.
Teacher Salaries Revised to Improve Quality
To strengthen the academic foundation of madrasas and attract qualified educators, the government has made significant revisions to teacher compensation.
Teacher Salaries: The Maharashtra government recently tripled the honorarium for teachers under this scheme. D.Ed. qualified teachers now receive ₹16,000 per month (up from ₹6,000), and B.Ed./B.Sc. B.Ed. teachers receive ₹18,000 per month (up from ₹8,000). Officials stated that this revision aims to enhance teaching quality, ensure parity with modern schools, and retain skilled educators within the madrasa system.
Strict Compliance Required
The government warned that any misuse of funds or violation of scheme conditions will lead to strict action against the concerned institutions. Erring madrasas may also be blacklisted from future grants.
Institutions already registered under recognized educational or charitable trusts will be given priority, and no applications will be accepted after November 13, 2025.
Assistance and Support
Special helpdesks have been set up by the Education Department to assist madrasas, schools, and colleges with form submission and eligibility queries. A dedicated helpline has also been launched to provide guidance throughout the application process. The initiative is being hailed as a progressive step toward inclusive education—bridging the gap between traditional and modern systems and ensuring that students from all backgrounds gain access to quality learning opportunities.
