In Uttarakhand, there are more than 400 madrasas reportedly operating without official registration, raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight. While the State has 416 registered madrasas, the existence and operations of these unregistered institutions remain largely unmonitored.
The State Government and the madrasa board appear to lack detailed information about these unregistered madrasas, including their funding sources, curricula, student demographics, and hostel facilities.
When questioned about these unregistered madrasas, Madrasa Board Chairman Mufti Shamoom Kasmi provided details only about the registered madrasas, stating that they follow the Islamic curriculum along with the national curriculum set by the Indian Government. However, he was unable to provide any information regarding the unregistered institutions.
Recently, the Uttarakhand Child Rights Protection Commission found deficiencies during an inspection of an unregistered madrasa in Azad Colony, which has led to calls for action against these unregistered madrasas at the government level. Additionally, there has been controversy over foreign funding for another madrasa in Dehradun, prompting further investigation.
The Child Rights Protection Commission has written to the State’s Secretary of Minority Affairs requesting a probe into the unregistered madrasas. Meanwhile, the madrasa board director has sought reports from minority welfare officers in all districts. Although such orders have been issued previously, no comprehensive report on the number of unregistered madrasas in the State has been presented.
It is notable that radical Islamic organisations often avoid registering madrasas to bypass government scrutiny and the requirement to adhere to government-mandated curricula. Operators of unregistered madrasas in Uttarakhand have preemptively started defending themselves, claiming that the madrasa board has not formed a recognition committee in the past four years and alleging that there is a government intent to close down madrasas.
When the issue of the illegal madrasa in Azad Colony came to light, Islamic organisations and Muslim service groups accused the Child Rights Protection Commission of disrespect and failed to address their own shortcomings. There is growing recognition that, similar to States like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam, action against illegal madrasas is necessary in Uttarakhand.
The encroachment of government land to build madrasas is also a significant issue. However, the Minority Affairs and Urban Development ministries have remained silent on this matter. Questions remain about how large madrasas in the western districts of Dehradun and Haridwar have been constructed without administrative approval.
Despite initial investigations, there seems to be a mysterious silence surrounding these cases, suggesting that operators of illegal madrasas might be using their influence to obstruct inquiries.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has repeatedly stated that investigations into madrasas are ongoing and that action will be taken against those operating illegally.
