By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 26 Mar: The Uttarakhand Waqf Board and Uttarakhand Madrasa Board have extended their support to the Dhami government’s campaign against illegal madrasas operating in Uttarakhand. Both these bodies have emphasised that the government’s action solely targets only the unregistered madrasas that have proliferated in recent years.
Uttarakhand Waqf Board President Shadab Shams also stressed upon the necessity of adopting a national curriculum in madrasas, which has already been implemented in registered institutions. He stated that the registered madrasas provide education in subjects such as computer science, mathematics, Hindi, and religious studies, fostering holistic development. Shams remarked that this modern education system will ensure that the Muslim children also grow into responsible citizens and expressed strong support for the government’s efforts to regulate illegal madrasas.
Shams also stressed the need for accountability among those running madrasas funded through public donations, asserting that properties built with such funds should not be treated as personal assets but rather registered with the Waqf Board. He noted that illegal, unregistered madrasas have been set up in many roads or lanes and neighbourhoods without oversight, and the government’s move to enforce regulations is necessary. He clarified that no action has been taken against registered madrasas and he also dismissed criticism of the campaign as unfounded.
At the same time, Uttarakhand Madrasa Board President Maulana Shamoon Qasmi has also echoed this support, asserting that unregistered madrasas lack recognition from educational boards and need to be shut down. He mentioned that the board has recently recognised and renewed more than 50 madrasas that meet its norms, inviting closed institutions to comply for potential recognition. Qasmi praised the government’s focus on ensuring a brighter future for Muslim children through regulated education.
Meanwhile, Dr Geeta Khanna, Chairperson of Uttarakhand Child Reform Protection Commission, urged district administrations to arrange for children from sealed madrasas to be admitted to government schools or registered institutions, ensuring their continued education.
