Education department confused on minority status

State government’s revised definition of minority institutions seems to have done little to clear the air as the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) itself is confused and has sought clarification from the state.

The Urdu and other Minority Education Department, a part of the DPI, has written to the government seeking clarifications over its July 24 government order that mandates institutions to have over 75 per cent of students belonging to a minority in order to get the minority tag.

A senior official, who spoke to ‘Express’ on condition of anonymity, said there are two major points of disarray that need clarification. “We must understand that there are two types of minorities — religious and linguistic. Which of these types does the new definition apply to? If it applies to religious minority, is a school expected to admit 75 per cent of students from a single minority community or all minorities?”

“The second clarification,” the official continued, “is whether the new definition applies only for the implementation of Right to Education (RTE) Act or is it a general definition?”

These points coupled with a few others forms a part of the letter the department has written to the government over two months ago. However, the official said, “We have not heard from the government.”

The mapping exercise to identify minority institutions prescribed in the GO has not started because of these bottlenecks, the official added. “We have also asked the government to tell us how we can grant minority status to ICSE and CBSE schools as they are not covered under the Karnataka Education Act of 1983,” the official asked.

Prior to the new definition, schools were declared minority on ratio of minority students admitted, which should be more than the minority population in the concerned area or locality. As per this parameter, there are 1,059 minority schools in the state.

The official suggested that the government can make it applicable for implementing RTE. “If the new definition is made general, then the entire system will crumble. We will not have any minority institutions. Can a Christian school be able to get 75 per cent of Christian students?” he said.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said that the issue is under discussion at the government level.