Construction of the Dhannipur mosque, which began in 2020, was mandated by the Supreme Court of India as part of the Ayodhya verdict that allocated land for a mosque following the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. However, four years into the project, fundraising efforts have fallen short, with only Rs 1 crore collected so far, a figure far from the estimated cost of the entire project.
The disbandment of these committees is viewed as a necessary step toward speeding up the project, which has been hampered by inadequate resources and bureaucratic delays. According to trust officials, the reorganization aims to focus more sharply on obtaining mandatory Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) clearances. These clearances are crucial for soliciting donations from overseas communities, a strategy that is expected to provide the much-needed financial boost for the project.
Faruqi emphasized that the dissolution of the committees was not a reflection of their failure but a tactical shift to consolidate efforts under fewer, more focused teams. The trust believes that better coordination and direct oversight will lead to improved results in fundraising and procedural clearances. Additionally, discussions during the meeting highlighted the need for more efficient mobilization of resources, both locally and internationally.
Despite the setbacks, the IICF has remained committed to the project, which, besides the mosque, includes the construction of a hospital, community kitchen, and library. The site, located in Dhannipur village near Ayodhya, was intended to serve as a symbol of communal harmony and inclusive development. However, ongoing financial difficulties have raised concerns about the long-term feasibility of the broader development plans.
The trust's decision to target FCRA clearances aligns with broader efforts to tap into the substantial goodwill and financial support of the Indian diaspora, particularly in the Gulf and Western countries. There is optimism that this international outreach could significantly accelerate fundraising, though this remains contingent on securing the necessary legal clearances.
As the project lingers in its initial phases, some local residents and community leaders have expressed disappointment over the lack of visible progress. The trust's management has assured stakeholders that the reorganization and the renewed focus on funding are expected to lead to tangible results in the near future.
The IICF’s reorganization is part of a larger trend among religious and community-based projects in India that face fundraising challenges due to stringent regulations and bureaucratic hurdles. While domestic donations have trickled in, the scope of the project demands far greater financial commitment than what has been gathered so far.