In Dehradun district, authorities have sealed 31 illegal madrasas in Vikasnagar, 9 in Sadar, and 3 in Doiwala. Similarly, in the Khatima region of Udham Singh Nagar district, nine unregistered madrasas were shut down. These closures are part of a broader initiative to identify and address unauthorized educational establishments statewide.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized the government's commitment to preserving the state's cultural and demographic integrity. He stated that actions against illegal constructions and encroachments would continue unabated, with a focus on institutions operating without proper authorization.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed strong support for the government's crackdown. State spokesperson Suresh Joshi underscored the importance of safeguarding Uttarakhand's identity and preventing the misuse of religious education as a cover for unauthorized activities. He highlighted the government's resolve to protect the state's cultural heritage and prevent demographic imbalances resulting from illegal encroachments.
The Uttarakhand Waqf Board, responsible for overseeing registered madrasas, has also acknowledged the issue of unregistered institutions. Shadab Shams, chairman of the board, noted that while there are 419 recognized madrasas in the state, an estimated 400 operate without proper registration. He emphasized the government's concern for students' futures and mentioned plans to establish modern madrasas that provide quality education in compliance with state regulations.
This crackdown follows previous actions against unauthorized religious structures and encroachments on government land. In 2023, the state government took action against 465 mazars and 45 temples, among others, as part of its efforts to address illegal encroachments. The current focus on unregistered madrasas is seen as a continuation of these efforts to maintain law and order and ensure that educational institutions operate within the legal framework.
While the government's actions have received support from various quarters, they have also faced criticism from opposition parties and some community organizations. Critics argue that the crackdown disproportionately targets specific communities and may disrupt the education of students enrolled in these institutions. They call for a more inclusive approach that considers the socio-economic backgrounds of the affected students and seeks to integrate them into the mainstream education system without causing undue hardship.
The government, however, maintains that the crackdown is not aimed at any particular community but is a necessary step to ensure that all educational institutions adhere to state laws and regulations. Officials have assured that efforts are being made to accommodate students from the sealed madrasas into registered schools to ensure the continuity of their education.
The recent actions have also prompted discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in the state's education sector. Experts suggest that a thorough review of existing policies governing religious and private educational institutions could help in formulating strategies that promote inclusivity, quality education, and compliance with legal standards.