The Jamia Nooria Fatima Lilbanat residential institution has been operating since 2019 and providing shelter and education to 300 girls
SHRAVASTI – The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh sealed the Jamia Nooria Fatima Lilbanat madrasa in Shravasti district on Saturday. The residential institution, operating since 2019 and providing shelter and education to 300 girls, was closed allegedly due to its lack of “formal recognition”. Authorities claim that the madrasa violated regulations by not obtaining the necessary legal documentation.
The madrasa had become an essential part of the local community, particularly for underprivileged Muslim girls who otherwise had limited access to education. Many of these girls depended on the madrasa for not only education but also a safe space to live and learn.
For the families in the Ikouna area, Jamia Nooria Fatima Lilbanat was more than just an educational institution. It was a symbol of empowerment, providing much-needed opportunities to girls who would have otherwise faced significant barriers to schooling. The closure of such an institution is seen by many as part of a broader trend of government actions against Muslim-run educational establishments in Uttar Pradesh.
The timing of the closure and the lack of proactive support from the authorities raise serious concerns about fairness. Why did it take the authorities so long to address the madrasa’s “lack of recognition”, especially when it had been operating for several years? Why wasn’t the madrasa provided with the opportunity to regularise its operations before such drastic measures were taken?
Many community leaders and activists argue that these actions are part of a larger, troubling pattern of targeting Muslim institutions in the state. Instead of harsh penalties, critics believe the government should focus on supporting these institutions, particularly those that provide essential services to marginalised communities.
The closure of Jamia Nooria Fatima Lilbanat raises larger questions about the treatment of Muslim educational institutions in India. These madrasas play an invaluable role in their communities, particularly in regions where access to education is limited. Instead of taking punitive measures, it would be more constructive for the government to help these institutions meet regulatory requirements, providing them with the support and resources they need to function within the legal framework.
A fair and balanced approach that includes dialogue with madrasa administrators, proper accreditation, and infrastructural support would allow these institutions to continue their vital work while meeting state educational standards. This will ensure that young Muslim girls, who benefit from these institutions, are not denied opportunities for education and empowerment.
The sealing of Jamia Nooria Fatima Lilbanat highlights the need for a more inclusive and supportive policy for Muslim-run institutions. Instead of undermining them, the government should recognise their contributions to the social fabric and invest in making sure they can operate legally, effectively, and transparently. A cooperative approach would be more beneficial for all parties involved and would demonstrate a commitment to social justice and educational equality.
