Parents back Muslim girls' schools in Telanagana

Hyderabad: The Telangana Minority Residential Education Society started this year, has received good response from Muslims with parents showing keen interest to enrol their wards in these English medium schools.

Though some had been dithering when it came to enroling their female children, authorities and NGOs’ confidence building measures ultimately paid off and many parents, especially in districts, have admitted their girls in these residential institutions.

Minority residential schools have been introduced from this academic year as part of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s ambitious KG to PG scheme; 71 such institutions were started in 10 districts in the first year.

While 75 per cent of seats are reserved for minorities, the other 25 per cent is reserved for SC/ST/BC and economically backward OCs.

The parental income limit has been fixed at below Rs 1.5 lakh (rural areas) and Rs 2 lakh (urban areas).

While the move to make usually-costly English medium education available to lower income groups was appreciated, parents of girl children were a little apprehensive about enroling their wards initially. Their concerns were about security. Also, staying away from home for several years for education meant girls could not learn cooking and other crafts.

However, community elders, NGOs and government staff impressed upon them that the quality education being offered in these schools would ensure that their children achieved bigger things in life.

Mr Munna, a private employee, was not keen initially on enroling his 10-year old daughter in Class V, but later relented. He said he checked out the residential girls’ school building and facilities and also spoke to the women staff who would be looking after the girls.

 “I was very satisfied and enrolled my daughter; and I recommend others to also admit their daughters to these institutions,” he said.

Home science, arts  to be considered

Some parents of girl children have urged the Telangana Minority Residential Education Institutions Society (TMREIS) authorities to introduce Home Sciences as an extra-curricular activity as also basics of designing, tailoring and others crafts for the girls.

Mr B. Shafiullah (IFS), secretary, TMREIS, said steps are being taken to introduce extra-curricular courses.

Ms Khalida Praveen, state secretary of Jamaat-e-Islaami, said  mothers can teach girls  cooking etc. when they were home during holidays.

“The family bonding  will be missed once kids stay away from home. Parents, especially mothers have a bigger role to play,” she said.