State Minority Commission chief alleged large-scale corruption in the state’s Urdu-medium schools triggering strong reactions from the education sector
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — The newly elected Chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, Pyare Zia Khan, has sparked controversy by alleging large-scale corruption in the state’s Urdu-medium schools. During a visit to Pator tehsil in Akola district, Khan claimed that corruption worth Rs 4,000 to 5,000 crore is taking place annually in these institutions and called for a comprehensive survey to investigate the matter.
Speaking to the media after visiting a local school, Khan accused Urdu schools receiving state aid of widespread financial malpractice. “There is massive corruption in Urdu-medium schools funded by the government. The misuse of Rs 4,000 to 5,000 crore annually must be investigated,” he stated.
He suggested that, if necessary, the minority status of these institutions should be revoked. “If irregularities continue, we must consider withdrawing the minority status of such institutions or halting government aid altogether,” Khan added.
Khan’s visit followed a complaint of sexual harassment by a female teacher at an Urdu school in Pator. The Akola police have since registered a case against the school’s director, Syed Qamaruddin, along with his son, daughter, and son-in-law under sexual harassment and other sections of the law. Khan has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against Qamaruddin under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA).
According to Khan, complaints of sexual harassment are not isolated to a single institution. “During my visits to various schools, multiple female teachers reported incidents of harassment. This is a grave concern that cannot be ignored,” he said.
Khan’s remarks have triggered strong reactions from the education sector, particularly within the Urdu-medium school community.
Sajid Nisar, General Secretary of Urdu Shikshak Singh, acknowledged the need to address corruption but criticised Khan’s sweeping statements. “We support action against corruption wherever it exists, but it is wrong to generalise and target all minority institutions. If corruption exists in 10% of schools, that does not mean the remaining 90% should be defamed and threatened,” he argued.
A principal of a South Mumbai Urdu school, speaking anonymously, raised concerns about the proposed revocation of minority status. “Taking away the minority status of all Urdu schools is neither practical nor legally feasible. Corruption must be curbed, but the method should be fair and just,” the principal stated.
According to the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) report, Maharashtra has 8,719 minority educational institutions, including 5,438 Urdu-medium schools, which educate over 2.5 lakh students. The allegations and the proposed survey could have far-reaching consequences for these institutions and the students relying on them.
The controversy has placed the future of Urdu-medium schools under scrutiny, with stakeholders divided over the extent of corruption and the measures needed to address it. While Khan maintains that his campaign is necessary to protect students and teachers, many within the community fear that his allegations could unjustly harm the reputation of legitimate institutions.
As the debate intensifies, the state government is expected to review the demand for a survey and take further action based on the findings. For now, Urdu schools across Maharashtra find themselves at the centre of an unprecedented controversy that could reshape their future.
