Karnataka's Muslim kids can't speak either English or Kannada, says Tanveer Sait
Sait observed that there was a disconnect between Urdu medium of education and employment market where English and Kannada ruled the roost.
Bengaluru: Noting that at least 52 per cent of Muslim students dropped out between classes VII and VIII in the state, Primary and Secondary Education Minister
Tanveer Sait on Saturday called on the community to tackle the problem and other issues stalling its progress with the involvement of teachers and imams (religious figures).
Addressing the 6th South India NGOs’ conference here, he observed that there was a disconnect between Urdu medium of education and the employment market where English and Kannada ruled the roost.
Urging teachers and imams to join hands with the state government in promoting Maulana Azad schools where English would be the medium of instruction and Urdu an optional language, he said, “There is no way the community can progress without imparting the best of education to its children. But no serious change will be possible without the involvement of teachers and imams, who are the real force of change in the community.”
Claiming the state government was doing its bit for the welfare of Muslims, Mr Sait pointed out that it had allocated Rs 3,000 crore for the welfare of minorities.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Mangaluru and Goa universities, Prof. B. Sheikh Ali, advised Muslims to opt for a ‘help-yourself’ formula, introspect on their shortcomings and understand the changing trends in society.
Five social workers received the CIGMA award for 2017 for their outstanding contribution to the community on the occasion. Prof. Ali received the award for setting up several institutions in Mysuru, Rehana Begum, for treating 25,000 snake bite victims, Mamoon Akhtar from Kolkata, for starting a school in a Howrah slum for 4,000 children, Salma Memon, for working among slum women in Mumbai and Harekala Hajabba, for starting a school in Dakshina Kannada from proceeds of his orange sales.