Millions in funds transferred despite the economic crisis! 92 million TL budget for children's Quran courses

It has been announced that the Ministry of Family and Social Services transferred a total of 92.1 million TL in funds in 2023 and 2024 for Quran courses organized for children aged 4-6. While support payments were made for children from economically disadvantaged families under a protocol signed with the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), this expenditure has brought about debates regarding secularism and discrimination. Criticisms have risen regarding the protocol, which has been taken to court, citing violations of the constitution and the use of public resources for a specific faith.  

According to a report by Mustafa Bildircin from BirGün, the "4-6 Age Quran Course Support Program Protocol" was signed between the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Presidency of Religious Affairs on January 27. It was stated that the protocol was signed within the scope of Law No. 3294 on the Promotion of Social Assistance and Solidarity. With the protocol, it was envisioned that if "economically disadvantaged families" enrolled their children in 4-6 age Quran courses, the registration fee would be covered by the ministry's budget.

The protocol signed between the Ministry and the Diyanet was taken to court on the grounds that it "constitutes a violation of the Constitution." In the petitions filed by numerous associations requesting a stay of execution for the protocol, it was noted that spending from the public budget for a specific faith constitutes "discrimination."

92.1 MILLION LIRAS TO THE DIYANET

Despite all objections and the ongoing judicial process, the Diyanet and the Ministry continued to implement the protocol. Following reports of abuse in children's Quran courses, which drew reactions not only for being unsuitable for children but also for being beyond oversight, the protocol signed between the Ministry of Family and the Diyanet has once again come to the agenda.

It was learned that the Ministry transferred 50 million 789 thousand 850 TL to the Diyanet 2 years ago under the protocol signed on January 17, 2023. The Ministry continued to transfer funds under the protocol in 2024 as well. The funds transferred by the Ministry of Family to the Diyanet for 4-6 Age Quran Courses last year amounted to 41 million 367 thousand 150 TL. The total funds transferred to the Diyanet under the protocol in 2023 and 2024 were recorded as 92 million 157 thousand TL. It was reported that the total of 92.1 million TL in funds was used for 135 thousand 406 children.

News Source: 12punto