Questions raised over secrecy, timing and alleged financial irregularities in minority department decisions
MUMBAI — Serious questions have been raised in Maharashtra after 75 non-Urdu educational institutions were granted minority status within four days, allegedly during a period of official mourning following the sudden death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The controversy centres on the timing of the certificates, which were reportedly issued despite a ban on granting minority status that had been in place since August last year.
According to a report by ABP Majha, the first certificate was issued on 28 January at 3:09 pm — the same day Ajit Pawar suffered a fatal accident. Several more were processed later that evening, even as the state observed official mourning.
Certificates issued in four days
Records cited in the report show that:
- A certificate was issued to Shri Mata Kanika Seva Sanstha on 28 January at 9:03 pm.
- Sivadas Maharaj Shikshan Pracharak Mandal, Ayut Mahal, received its certificate on the same day.
- A total of seven institutions were granted the status on 28 January alone.
- Major educational institutions received certificates on 29 and 30 January.
- Several schools were granted minority status on 2 February.
- 75 certificates were issued in just four days, although none had been issued since August.
- Some certificates were reportedly processed at 6:45 pm and 6:58 pm, after official working hours.
Of the 75 institutions, 25 schools belong to Poddar International, which were granted minority status on 29 January. In addition, five schools of St Xavier’s and four schools run by Swami Shanti Prakash and Dev Prakash institutions were also granted status.
All the institutions involved are non-Urdu schools.
Sources have claimed that senior leaders, including Manik Rao Kokate, Dattatreya Bhar and Ajit Pawar, had earlier withheld these certificates. After Pawar’s death, the process is alleged to have resumed suddenly.
Youth Congress General Secretary Akshay Jain claimed that the speed of the approvals raises serious concerns.
He said, “When the entire state was observing mourning, how were 75 certificates issued within hours and days? There was a ban in place. Who lifted it, and under what authority?”
He further alleged that financial irregularities may be involved.
“There appears to be a large-scale financial scam behind this hurried process. The Minorities Department must answer how such a big decision was taken quietly and so quickly,” Jain said.
Demand for CID Probe
The Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, Pyare Khan, expressed strong concern over the matter and called for a formal investigation.
“Giving minority status to 75 educational institutions in such a manner is extremely shocking,” he said. “The officers involved must be investigated by the CID, and cases should be registered under MCOCA if wrongdoing is found.”
He also made a wider allegation about the system itself.
“The process of granting minority status has become a means of earning money. This must stop. Transparency is essential,” Khan stated.
Pyare Khan further announced that more than 8,500 minority schools in the state would be thoroughly investigated to ensure that no irregularities have taken place.
In a related development, orders have been issued to cancel the minority status of Saleem Zakaria Urdu Middle School and Syed Ghaffar Syed Hussain Middle School, Pator, in Akola district after serious irregularities were reportedly found.
Officials have not yet publicly responded to the allegations surrounding the recent 75 certificates.
Political, Administrative Impact
The matter has caused unease within the state administration. Critics are questioning why no certificates were issued for months, only for 75 approvals to be cleared within a span of four days, including during a period of official mourning.
Supporters of the minority rights framework argue that minority status is a constitutional protection meant to safeguard educational and cultural rights. They say the process must be fair and transparent so that genuine institutions benefit, while misuse is prevented.
An education policy expert in Mumbai, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Minority status is not a favour. It is a constitutional right when criteria are met. But if procedures are bypassed, it damages trust in the entire system.”
As demands for a CID inquiry grow louder, attention is now focused on whether the state government will order a formal probe and clarify who authorised the approvals during a sensitive period.
For now, the episode has opened a wider debate on transparency, accountability and the integrity of the minority certification process in Maharashtra.
