Managers plan to meet the District Collector with a complaint; reduced funding risks the future of students and weakens the aim of bringing them into mainstream education
MUMBAI — Serious concern has been raised by the madrasa authorities in Mumbai and nearby areas after a very small fund was allocated under the Dr Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernisation Scheme for the academic year 2025–26.
Those running the madrasas say the amount is so low that it has left them surprised. Many believe it could be a mistake by officials, as last year the grant was increased and expected to continue at a higher level.
According to them, the government had earlier raised the fund to ₹10 lakh per madrasa. However, the current allocation is far lower. Based on the released figures, each madrasa in Mumbai is getting only around ₹16,203.
Madrasa authorities say this amount is not enough even to pay one teacher’s salary, let alone run the institution and provide modern education to students.
Mohammad Shahid Arshi of Al Jamia Faqihatul Banat said, “For 2025–26, about ₹1.94 lakh has been allocated for 12 madrasas in Mumbai suburbs. If divided, each madrasa gets just ₹16,203. The question is, can we run a madrasa for a whole year with this amount?”
He added, “Can we provide modern education or pay teachers with such a small fund? It is beyond understanding.”
He further explained that his institutions had been receiving support under the scheme since 2013–14. “Jamia Sabriya, run under Raza Masjid Trust, received ₹10.32 lakh in 2024–25, while our institution got ₹4 lakh. But this time, everything has been cut.”
Arshi said that heads of 12 madrasas in suburban Mumbai have discussed the matter and agreed to act together. “We will soon meet the District Collector and submit a written complaint. We want to know on what basis the fund has been reduced. Is this not playing with the future of students?” he asked.
Sayed Ali Hussain, head of Jamia Tajweed ul Quran Noor Meher Charitable Trust, also expressed concern.
He said, “It feels like there has been some mistake by officials. ₹16,000 cannot even cover one teacher’s salary. How will we improve the future of students with this?”
He added, “We request the government to immediately correct this and release ₹10 lakh per madrasa as announced, so that the work of providing modern education to students can continue without interruption.”
He confirmed that a meeting with the District Collector will be held soon. “We will present the full situation and speak together on behalf of all madrasa authorities,” he said.
It is reported that a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on 31 March, signed by Meghna Guro Shinde, regarding the fund allocation.
Despite the reduced funding, the government has stated that the scheme aims to provide students in madrasas with modern subjects along with religious education. These include science, mathematics, social studies, Hindi, Marathi, English, and Urdu, so that students can move forward and find their place in mainstream education.
At the state level, around 308 madrasas are covered under the scheme, with a total allocation of ₹50 lakh.
Madrasa authorities say that unless the funding issue is corrected quickly, the main purpose of the scheme will not be achieved, and students from poor and minority backgrounds will suffer the most.
