Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates Centenary Celebration of State Madrasa Education Board

Focus on Madrasa Development

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed happiness over the completion of 100 years of the Madrasa Education Board. He recalled that prior to 2005, the condition of madrasas was extremely poor, and teachers received very little remuneration. Since 2006, the state government has taken several steps, including registration and recognition of madrasas and ensuring that madrasa teachers receive salaries at par with government school teachers.

Ensuring Communal Harmony

Highlighting communal harmony initiatives, Kumar said that in 2006 the government began the boundary wall construction around graveyards to avoid disputes. This, he emphasized, brought an end to frequent Hindu-Muslim clashes that had earlier plagued the state.

Justice for Riot Victims

The Chief Minister also referred to the Bhagalpur riots of 1989, stating that earlier governments failed to conduct proper investigations. After assuming office in November 2005, his government ordered a thorough probe, punished the guilty, and provided compensation and pensions to the victims’ families.

Welfare Schemes for Muslim Community

Kumar mentioned several welfare schemes targeted at the Muslim community. Since 2007, financial assistance has been given to divorced and abandoned Muslim women, initially ₹10,000 and now increased to ₹25,000. He added that scholarships and educational support are being provided to Muslim students under the Minority Welfare Department’s schemes.

The Chief Minister noted that the budget of the Minority Welfare Department has increased from just ₹3.54 crore in 2004-05 to ₹1,080 crore today. Various initiatives have also been launched to support Muslim youth in starting self-employment ventures.

Development for All Communities

Kumar emphasized that his government has worked for all sections of society, including Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, and Mahadalits. He pointed out that recently, pensions for the elderly, widows, and differently abled were increased from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month, benefitting a large population.

Electricity and Infrastructure

The Chief Minister reiterated that by 2018, electricity had reached every household in Bihar. Presently, domestic consumers receive electricity free of cost at affordable rates. He also informed that during his recent “Pragati Yatra” across districts, development projects were reviewed, and 430 new schemes worth ₹50,000 crore have been approved and work has already begun.

CM’s Message to Citizens

Kumar assured that the government would continue to address people’s needs and resolve their problems. “Opposition leaders may say whatever they want, but it has no meaning. We remain committed to development and to serving all sections of society,” he said, thanking everyone for attending the ceremony.

Special Honors and Release of Souvenir

On this occasion, the Chief Minister was felicitated with a traditional shawl, cap, and a garland made of makhana. He also released a souvenir published to mark the centenary of the Madrasa Education Board.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by Minority Welfare Minister Jama Khan, Board Chairman Salim Parvez, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Education Minister Sunil Kumar, Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, former minister Naushad Alam, Minority Commission Chairman Gulam Rasool Balyawi, JD(U) State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha, Sunni Waqf Board Chairman Mohammad Irshadullah, Shia Waqf Board Chairman Afzal Abbas, MLCs Afak Ahmad Khan, Lalan Sarraf, Gulam Gaus, Khalid Anwar, former Rajya Sabha MPs Kahkashan Parveen and Ahmad Ashfaq Karim, along with members of the Madrasa Board, teachers, and a large number of citizens.