Despite facing death threats and living under the constant gaze of right wing activists, hundreds of children of Rohingya Muslims have been quietly ‘learning lessons’ inside classrooms of State-run Government schools in Jammu.
Compared to boys the total number of girls may be little less but they are also attending their regular classes and encashing on the mantra of Narendra Modi Government ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ to secure their future.
The girl child is the major beneficiary as their parents do not have to bear the burden of school fees and other expenditures. These girls from Myanmar are covered under the fee waiver scheme annou-
nced by the BJP-PDP alliance Government in the State for girl child studying up to class XII.
Rough estimates suggested more than 200 children of Rohingya Muslims are admitted in different schools in Narwal area on the outskirts of Jammu.
Out of total strength of 191 students enrolled in Govt Middle School Karyani Talab, 80 per cent belong to Rohingya muslims. Similarly, students are enrolled in nearby Government schools in the area. The State Government is in the process of collecting data of all these children enrolled in State Government run schools.
The biggest incentive and motivation for these kids to attend the school is Mid-day Meal Scheme.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Class I student Mumtaz Begum said, “She is very happy ever since she is attending regular classes.” She said she enjoy eating together with her friends. “Some time we buy ice cream and return home talking to each other. I want to continue my studies as I want to become doctor,” Mumtaz Begum said. Her friend Yasmeen echoed similar sentiments while they were both sharing their mid day meals in their class room.
Some local politicians and right wing activists have been making lot of noises over illegal settlement of Rohingya Muslims.
In February 2017 even posters have surfaced in Jammu warning these illegal immigrants to ‘Quit Jammu’. These posters were authored by leaders of Panthers Party in Jammu.
According to a senor school teacher, “The children are admitted in the school on the basis of a affidavit submitted by their parents.” The school teacher said, the parents also attach their ‘refugee certificate’ along with the admission form.
Zonal Education Officer, Gandhi Nagar Zone Mussarat Jabeen told The Pioneer, “We are imparting education to all the children.” She admitted the fact that children from Myanmar are also studying in the school. “We have not been told by anyone in the education department not to admit
these children when they have completed the necessary formalities.”