The Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a notice on February 7, 2024, instructing the closure of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) without specifying any reasons for its shutdown. 

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The directive issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs not only called for the closure of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation but also mandated the termination of contracts for forty-three contractual employees. Additionally, it ordered the transfer of surplus funds, with the Foundation possessing assets valued at Rs 1073.26 crore and liabilities amounting to Rs 403.55 crore as of November 30, 2023. The Central Wakf Council is slated to receive these assets and assume administrative responsibilities for affected employees. This closure has received limited coverage from mainstream media outlets, with only select independent platforms addressing the decision.

Source: Sabrang India

Established with the objective of uplifting minority communities, the Maulana Azad Education Foundation focused on promoting education among marginalized segments of society. Funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Foundation operated various schemes aimed at empowering minority groups. Notable initiatives included scholarships like the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for minority girl students and the Gharib Nawaz Employment Scheme for Minorities, which aimed to enhance employability among minority youth through skill-based training.

The reduction in funds allocated to the Maulana Azad Education Foundation in the 2022-23 Union Budget raised eyebrows, with a drastic cut of over 99% observed compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite receiving Rs 90 crore in the 2021-2022 budget, the Foundation’s allocation drops to a mere 1 lakh in the current budget cycle. This significant reduction underscored uncertainties surrounding the Foundation’s operations and its ability to sustain minority education programs. Moreover, discrepancies in updating the Foundation’s website and lack of recent data have added to the ambiguity surrounding its functioning.

Source: BNN Breaking

The withdrawal of provisions under the Maulana Azad Education Foundation has raised concerns about the future of minority education initiatives. The cancellation of scholarships such as the pre-matric scholarship and the Maulana Azad National Fellowship has left many students without vital educational support. Notably, the decision to cancel the pre-matric scholarship was justified as an effort to align the Ministry of Minority Affairs with the Ministry of Social Justice, despite its adverse effects on minority students’ access to education.

Recent reports highlighting underutilization of funds allocated for minority educational programs have further fueled apprehensions about the effectiveness of government initiatives.