MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has announced the introduction of a new policy for the protection of students in madrasas across the state.
Minister for Religious Affairs, Auqaf, and Information, Chaudhry Muhammad Rafique Nayyar, said that it has been made mandatory to install CCTV cameras, complaint boxes, medical examination, and qualification of teachers as per standards in madrassas.
While giving details about the policy, Nayyar said that all madrassas have been directed to install standard CCTV cameras in campuses, corridors, courtyards, offices, and other places that should be active at all times, and their recordings should be preserved for at least 30 days.
“It will be mandatory for every madrassa to formulate a written child protection policy that will include a clear explanation of the rights of children, the code of conduct of teachers and staff, and prohibited behaviors,” he said in a media release.
The minister added that this policy will be displayed at a prominent place in madrassas, and its written approval should be taken from all teachers and staff.
“For the protection of students, a confidential complaint box will be installed in every madrasa, the key of which will be held only by authorized officers of the district administration,” he said.
Rafique Nayyar stated that the complaint box will be opened regularly under the supervision of the district administration, and immediate action will be taken on the complaints received, keeping the identity of the complainant completely confidential.
‘Medical examination of students’
Moreover, the minister confirmed that, under the new policy, surprise medical examination of students will also be conducted in madrasas, which will be carried out by a medical team formed under the supervision of the district health officer.
An immediate report of any suspected case will be prepared and sent to the concerned authorities, while the affected students will be provided with immediate medical and psychological facilities.
According to the policy, in order to improve the quality of education and the protection of children, it has been made mandatory for every Qari and teacher to have a teaching certificate obtained from a recognized institution.
“Verification of this certificate, character check, and previous record check will also be mandatory before appointment. No person with a negative or suspicious record will be allowed to teach,” the minister said.
Chaudhry added that the implementation of these orders will be jointly monitored by the district administration, education department, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to ensure full implementation of the government policy on child protection in madrassas.
“In case of violation, legal action will be taken against the concerned madrassa, which may include suspension or cancellation of registration,” he added.
The Minister for Religious Affairs said that the Azad Kashmir government is taking practical steps to ensure child protection, quality religious education, and transparency in the madrassa system, and this policy will prove to be an important milestone towards reforms in the educational and religious institutions of the state.
