The continuing uproar over the illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla reveals the concern among the public about ‘selective’ laxities in implementation of regulations by government authorities. Are such controversies on the rise because of a conscious strategy, or due to corruption at various levels? It has been seen that even the most well thought out policies fail at the grassroots due to lack of implementation. It becomes hard for the common person to accept that, even as many rounds of the Development Authorities have to be made to obtain clearance for even minor construction, some special people have a clear unobstructed path to do what they like.
While much of the illegal construction is done by people who have little regard for the law, the existing circumstances also encourage criminal elements or those with nefarious motives to take advantage. This includes those who seek this privilege on the basis of religion for their personal benefit, uncaring of the long-term impact it is bound to have on their general community. Illegal madrasas and mosques, as well as the ongoing controversy over Waqf properties, have today become the centre of attention for just this reason. While some states have taken a proactive approach to clearing up the mess, others are having to face public ire for ignoring the problem. It is important that governments have the courage to deal with such issues before they erupt on the streets. What is happening in West Bengal, at the present, is an example of this.
Muslim children have as much the right to modern education as anybody else. Unfortunately, they are the ones most adversely affected because of the failure to implement the rules mandated for madrasas. As such, they are trapped in the traditional livelihoods of their families, which is one reason for the expansion of ghettos that are closed to changes sweeping society in general. Naturally, they also then become targets of other kinds of criminality, including sexual exploitation. The eminent Muslim seminaries should be concerned about this, as educational institutions ought to be run by properly qualified persons under the supervision of the designated agencies. It should not be reduced to becoming a cover for illegal activities such as land grab, diversion of funds, even printing of counterfeit notes, as was discovered recently. If such institutions get a bad reputation, it is only natural that the general public becomes averse to these coming up in their proximity.
