EDUCATION AMONG MUSLIMS – FROM SACHAR COMMITTEE PERSPECTIVE TO PROSPECTIVE STRATEGIES

By -

Abstract

India is a vast and developing country. The factor that affects development of any nation is its human resource potential, which directly is dependent on its educational status. Education is important in the present era as in time immemorial. Education brings change in the person, family, in turn society and the country at large. The literacy rate in India in 2009 was 76.9%, which is quite lower compared to the developed nations who have more than 90% of literacy. The Literacy rates among Muslims is alarmingly low. The literacy rate given by the 2001 Census for this community was 59.1% and the total literacy rate of the nation was 66%. The author’s question is whether all 59.1% of Muslims can read and write? Whether the literate people among this community are further continuing their education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education? To get answer for these questions, author has examined the well known report on Muslim viz., Sachar Committee Report. The forth chapter of Sachar Committee Report entitled “Educational Conditions of Muslims”, has explained in detailed about the educational status of Muslims in India. The author examines the chapter and gives, critical views on the interpretations made recommendations given in the report. A single report, specifically one chapter of a report on education of Muslims can not present the picture of the entire dynamic society. Hence, a multifaceted outlook, organized, long term study, systemic changes are the need of the day for bringing long lasting changes. The article also discusses the limitations of the chapter and suggests what has to be done to know the exact conditions of Muslim education in India. The suggestions will be of immense use to the policy framers and planners.

Keywords: Sachar Committee, Education among Muslims