Nature has been very generous while bestowing its bountiful creations upon us in abundance. To utilize these bountiful gifts of nature to its full extent needs expertise and to gain this expertise “Education” is the only way out.
Literacy and education in Kashmir has been deep down in slumber for centuries, though there has been recent increase in the literacy rate, but the situation still continues to lurk in the dark. As per the 2001 census, the literacy rate of Jammu & Kashmir was 55.5% (Male 66.6% and Female 43%) whereas the all India average is around 64.8%. Among the three regions of J&K, the Valley has been worst hit due to the ongoing political instability which had an adverse effect on the education sector also. The institution of education is in shambles on the whole and education among females is still lagging behind.
To counter this menace, scores of educational institutions and madrasas have sprung up with the majority among them turning into money churning factories, but still there are some exceptions.
“Jamiat-Ul-Banat” is one such glaring example meant only to cater to the educational needs of women and is a pioneer in this field. The Jamia is situated in Umer Colony B of the Lal Bazaar area away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The chief administrator of the Jamia Muhammad Abdullah Wani informs me that this institution was established in July 1999 by a Trust known as “Taleem-e-Niswaan Trust”. The purpose behind the Trust is to quench the thirst of religious knowledge of young girls. The admission to this institute is solely done on the basis of merit in a written test conducted by the faculty. A girl must have completed her matriculation after which she is eligible for the test. Those students who pass the test with distinction are then made to pay the admission fee of rupees 8,500 for six years which are to be spent for their bed, cupboard, utensils, books and other essentials during their stay at the Jamia hostel. Thereafter they have to pay Rupees 1,300 monthly as tuition, mess and hostel charges. A ten percent quota for orphan girls is also reserved under which all the burden of their educational expenses is borne by the institution. The 6 year course is divided into three phases.:-
A) Pre-Aalimah:- It is of one year duration in which the student becomes acquainted with the Arabic language and grammar, so that she can understand, write and be fluent in the language which is essential to understand Islam from its primary sources.
B)Aalimiat:- After the completion of Pre-Aalimah course, the students become eligible for the Aalimiat course, which is of two years duration, in which Quran, Ahadith, and Muslim history are taught. Besides that, English, Urdu and Islamic Studies subjects from the prescribed books by J&K Board of School Education are also taught. At the completion of this course, a course certificate is given to the students. Then they enter the final phase.
C) Faziliat:-It lasts for three years, besides the religious subjects books prescribed by Kashmir University (KU) for English,Urdu and Islamic Studies are also opted. The exam to this course is conducted by the KU itself which is equivalent to three years of bachelor degree from any other college. This recognition of the Faziliat makes it possible for them, on the completion of Faziliat, to be eligible for Post- Graduation and higher studies in various branches of Humanities from KU. Besides education, all students are made familiar with the basics of computer sciences.