ISLAMABAD, June 17: The government has allocated Rs286.242 million for Deeni Madaris in the current financial year 2002-03.

A substantial portion of the amount, released to the provincial Zakat administrations, has been utilized.

This was stated in a press release issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr here on Tuesday.

Zakat funds are being distributed among Madaris students under a simplified procedure, which was revised on the recommendations of a standing committee headed by a renowned scholar, the press release said.

The eligibility certification of deserving students has been made easy and they are no more required to travel to their home places to obtain their certificates. Instead, their present Mohtamim of the Madressah concerned can apply for the certificates. The local Zakat committee of the area where the Madressah is located can also certify the eligibility.