The government claims hundreds of ‘fake’ seminaries identified, warns of strict action
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Uttarakhand government has launched a widespread investigation into the operation of madrasas across the state, claiming to have identified approximately 200 ‘fake’ institutions. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated that the crackdown aims to eliminate institutions involved in illegal activities or receiving suspicious funding.
According to official sources, 129 madrasas were reported as fake in Udham Singh Nagar, around 60 in Dehradun, and 21 in Haridwar. This comes after Dhami directed all district police chiefs to inspect madrasa operations thoroughly. “If funding is being done wrongly, then it will be investigated. If any work is done by ignoring the rules, strict action will be taken against it,” said Chief Minister Dhami.
The action has sparked controversy, with the opposition Congress party accusing the government of targeting the Muslim community selectively. Congress state president questioned the timing and intent behind the sudden scrutiny, stating, “Why do such actions always surface around elections? If an inquiry is necessary, it should also cover private schools where rule violations are common.”
Many local Muslim leaders and scholars have expressed concerns over the sweeping generalisation of madrasas as ‘fake’ institutions. A prominent madrasa administrator in Dehradun, requesting anonymity, remarked, “This campaign is creating an atmosphere of fear among the community. Genuine institutions are being unfairly targeted.”
Muslim organisations have argued that the government’s focus on madrasas alone undermines the contributions of these institutions in providing education to underprivileged children. “Madrasas have been serving educational needs for decades. They should be regulated, but targeting them exclusively raises concerns of bias,” said Maulana Rashid Qasmi, a religious scholar from Haridwar.
Earlier this year, the Uttarakhand government had announced policy changes requiring madrasas to introduce Sanskrit alongside Arabic and Urdu instruction. While some welcomed the move as a step toward holistic education, concerns arose over state intervention in religious education. The Ulema Council stated, “We have no objection to teaching Sanskrit, but it should not be imposed forcefully. Educational freedom must be respected.”
Prominent civil rights organisations have called for greater transparency in the investigation process, urging authorities to disclose the criteria used for declaring madrasas ‘fake.’ Legal expert Advocate Shadab Khan commented, “The government must clarify the basis of its investigation to avoid unjustified targeting of religious institutions.”
The Muslim community has emphasised the need for balanced regulation across all educational sectors. “Accountability should be universal. If private schools and other institutions are also scrutinised, it will ensure fairness,” said social activist Hina Parveen.
Critics argue that the timing of the crackdown, close to upcoming state elections, raises concerns about political motivations. Congress leader Harish Rawat stated, “This is nothing but a polarising tactic disguised as a governance measure.”
The Uttarakhand government, however, maintains that the investigation is purely administrative. “Our objective is to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds. Religion has no role in this,” asserted a state spokesperson.
As the crackdown continues, the Muslim community in Uttarakhand has called for a fair and transparent process that upholds the principles of justice and non-discrimination. The unfolding developments will likely influence both public sentiment and political discourse in the region. Further clarity is expected as authorities release more findings in the coming weeks.