The President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mumbai -Manmohan Singh, in his interaction with the NCMEI chairperson Justice Narendra Kumar Jain, other members, and officials of the Commission, shared his views on the functioning of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, the New Education Policy 2020, the urgent minority education issues, scholarship cancellations by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2022 and the New Education Policy 2020’s implications, seeking stronger support for the Sikh community and other minorities in the education sector. A WSN Exclusive Report.

AT THE INVITATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, speaking at a specially organized function at a suburban college in Mumbai, to a full house of minority representatives of all the six religious minorities and other linguistic minorities, Singh Sabha President Manmohan Singh presented concerns from the perspective of the Sikh community regarding minority education to Justice Narendra Kumar Jain, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.

He highlighted crucial areas that require immediate attention to ensure the educational rights of the Sikh community and other minorities in India.

In a comprehensive presentation, the Sabha shed light on the challenges faced by Sikh students, especially those from economically backward sections like the Sikligar Sikhs and Vanjara Sikhs in obtaining basic education. Despite efforts from the community, the Sabha emphasized the need for more comprehensive intervention by the NCMEI, urging them to advise the Union and State governments for the formulation of effective policies in this area.

“The very notion of putting across the competition in minority-aided institutions is unjust to the minority community which has painstakingly built the institution.”

A significant point of contention was the sudden cancellation of pre-matric scholarships on 25 November 2022, after the receipt of applications from thousands of Sikh students in Maharashtra and the rest of the country. The Sikh leader of Mumbai pointed out that this had adversely affected other minority communities too. This abrupt decision, he pointed out, has affected the academic pursuits of several underprivileged students and burdened many low-income families.

The cancellation of the Maulana Azad National Fellowship by the Ministry of Minority Affairs was also criticized, with the Sabha terming these moves as an “injustice” to the minority communities.

Further concerns were raised about the restrictions on the number of students minority institutions can admit. “The very notion of putting across the competition in minority-aided institutions is unjust to the minority community which has painstakingly built the institution,” the Sabha note said.

The memorandum submitted by the Singh Sabha also voiced its apprehensions about the ongoing legal debates questioning the very concept of “minority”, suggesting that this could nullify constitutional guarantees to six minority groups, including the Sikhs. They urged the NCMEI to actively participate in these court proceedings to represent the minority perspective.

Another key area of discussion was the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which, according to the Sabha, was passed without considering the concerns of minority communities. While the policy’s emphasis on the mother tongue as the medium of education was appreciated, the Sabha sought clarity on various aspects, particularly reservations for minorities.

The NCMEI must consider publishing annual reports in multiple languages and engage minority community leaders through regular interactions, and workshops for minority institutions.

Manmohan Singh, President, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mumbai

To enhance the engagement and impact of the NCMEI, Sri Guru Singh Sabha proposed that the commission release annual reports in multiple languages detailing their initiatives. Regular interactions with community representatives and organizing workshops for minority institutions were also suggested as measures to streamline operations and address challenges.

Manmohan Singh emphasized, “There should be continued dialogue to uplift the educational standards of all communities, especially the vulnerable sections among minorities.”