Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board at the Samrat Ashok Convention Centre. Lighting a ceremonial lamp at the Bapu Auditorium, he said it was a proud moment that the board had completed 100 years. More than 15,000 people linked with madrasas attended the event.
Nitish Kumar said that before 2005 the condition of madrasas was very poor and teachers were paid very little. After his government came to power, madrasas were registered and given recognition. Teachers began receiving salaries equal to those in government schools. He added that fencing of graveyards started in 2006 to reduce Hindu-Muslim clashes, and this had brought peace.
The chief minister listed several schemes started for the Muslim community. Riot victims of Bhagalpur were given compensation and pensions. Women abandoned by their husbands are given help to start work, with financial assistance increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. Scholarships and support for students have also been expanded. The budget for the Minority Welfare Department has risen from just Rs 3.54 crore in 2004-05 to Rs 1,080 crore today.
Kumar said his government has worked for all communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Dalits, backward and upper castes. He pointed to the increase in pensions for the elderly and widows, the supply of electricity to all households by 2018, and the current scheme of providing free power to almost all homes. “We are continuously working for the development of Bihar. Opposition criticism does not matter,” he told the audience.
The programme also saw the release of a souvenir marking the 100 years of the board. Minority Welfare Minister Jama Khan, Board Chairman Salim Parvez and several other ministers and community leaders attended the event. Kumar was welcomed with a shawl, a cap and a garland of makhana.
