Board raises constitutional concerns over chief secretary’s notice affecting 8,449 madrasas
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has objected to the notice issued by the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to 8,449 madrasas in the state, demanding the withdrawal of the order that mandates these institutions to admit their students to schools of basic education.
An AIMPLB delegation, led by the board’s general secretary Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddadi, met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Tuesday to discuss their concerns and submit a memorandum demanding immediate action.
The AIMPLB argues that the district administration’s directive for madrasas to transfer their students to basic education schools is unconstitutional. According to Maulana Mujaddadi, these madrasas, many established under trusts or societies, provide religious and modern education. The board contends that this order violates Articles 14, 21, 26, 28, 29, and 30 of the Indian Constitution, which protect the rights of minorities to establish and manage educational institutions.
Maulana Mujaddadi emphasised that the constitution grants minorities the right to establish and manage their educational institutions as per their choice. “The Right to Education Act 2009 exempts madrasas and pathshalas from its provisions. These madrasas offer free education, accommodation, and food to lakhs of children,” he said.
The board highlighted that the notice affects significant and internationally renowned madrasas, including Darul Uloom Deoband, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama Lucknow, Jamia Salafia Banaras, Jamia Ashrafia Mubarakpur, Jamiatul Falah, and Madrasatul Islah. Students from these madrasas often pursue higher education in prestigious national and international universities and hold important positions in government and other sectors.
During the meeting with the chief minister, the board conveyed that these madrasas have been providing quality education for years and have a robust history of contributing to the educational landscape. Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, along with other officials, was present at the meeting. The chief minister assured the delegation that their demands would be considered.
Board spokesperson Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated that the delegation met with the chief minister and lodged objections to the state government’s notice. “We demand the immediate withdrawal of this order to alleviate the concerns of Muslims in the state,” he said.
While some have welcomed the AIMPLB’s engagement with the chief minister, others within the Muslim community are skeptical. Noted lawyer Sahil Ahmed, speaking to Clarion India, questioned the logic of meeting with a government perceived as anti-Muslim. “If our leaders claim that the BJP’s agenda is anti-Muslim, why are they meeting with them? It makes no sense,” he said.
Social worker Siraj Ahmed echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the matter should be pursued through the judicial system rather than political channels. “Yogi’s entire work is seen as anti-Muslim. Muslims should be cautious. Meeting with political leaders is useless when the matter is already in the Supreme Court,” he stated.
The board’s demand for the withdrawal of the order reflects broader concerns about preserving minority rights and educational autonomy. As the issue continues to unfold, the response from the state government and its impact on the affected madrasas will be closely monitored.