Educational Disparities And Social Exclusion Among Indian Muslims: A Comparative Analysis
- IJLLR Journal
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Dr. Hashmat Ali Khan, Professor, Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Hira Khan, Research Scholar, Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
ABSTRACT
Indian Muslims are chained to various challenges as deprivation of education worsens an already socio-economically backward community. This deprivation in quality education results in the perpetuation of the poverty- unemployment-social exclusion cycle. The boundaries of socio-economic disadvantages are enlarged by limited education. Indian Muslims suffer from vast unemployment and prevail in poverty, deprived of acquiring proper education which brings a narrow opportunity for jobs. Underprivileged higher education restricts entry for Indian Muslims in the job market as well as abolishes the chain of poverty. Even more critical are the social and cultural ramifications of educational deprivation. Social exclusion is mainly the result of inferior educational standards, curtailing the participation of Indian Muslims in the economic, political, and social framework of the country. Furthermore, such an education-exclusion severely deprives them of a competent engagement with their cultural heritage. There is concern among the public about making one vulnerable to radicalization and extremist ideologies, as education deprivation provides more chances of exposure to such influences. Even though there are constitutional provisions and several laws supporting educational upliftment of the minority community, but they do not seem enough to serve the purpose. These laws are mainly focused on providing elementary education, while the real issues emerge at higher education level which require strong financial background for quality education. The status of women in the Muslim community needs special attention. The Madrasa education system also needs reformation by adding modern education to the syllabi along with religious education. The major recommendations of the Sachar committee regarding education among Muslims need proper implementation for the upliftment of the community. This paper will analyze all the educational angles within Islam and the correlation differences in the educational status of Indian Muslims. Lack of education is the key reason behind Muslim marginalization. By providing better educational opportunities, Muslims can return to the mainstream.
