Authorities Seal Unregistered Islamic Schools in India, Islamic Council Protests
In a recent turn of events that has sparked controversy and raised concerns among the Muslim community, 11 madrasahs in Dehradun, India were sealed by district authorities on February 28, 2025. The reason cited for this drastic action was their lack of registration with the state madrasah board or the education department, leading to a ripple effect of protests and investigations.
The chain of events leading to the closure of these educational institutions began in January, preceding the local body elections, when the state government ordered a thorough verification and publication of data from Dehradun. District Judge Savin Bansal shed light on the situation, revealing that Sadar Dehradun tehsil had 16 unregistered madrasahs and eight registered ones, Vikasnagar tehsil had 34 unregistered and 27 registered madrasahs, Doiwala had one registered and six unregistered madrasahs, and Kalsi had one unregistered madrasah.
According to District Magistrate Vinod Kumar of Vikasnagar tehsil, nine madrasahs were sealed starting from March 3, with two others in Doiwala and Sadar following suit.
“Noteworthy is the fact that back in November, I submitted a report to the district government highlighting the operation of these madrasahs without proper registration. A team comprising members from the education department, minority welfare, revenue department, and police was formed to conduct inspections. Subsequently, a report was submitted, revealing that 20 madrasahs in Vikasnagar were operating without proper registration,” shared Kumar.
“After inspections, some madrasahs were able to meet the requirements and registered with the department. Following a raid post the District Magistrate’s order on February 28, we sealed nine madrasahs upon discovering violations,” Kumar added.
Upon receiving a report from District Judge Savin Bansal indicating that 57 madrasahs in the district were operating without registration, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami vowed to investigate the “sources of funding and origins of such institutions.”
As the sealing of these madrasahs unfolded, Muslim groups in the city took to the streets in protest, voicing their discontent and seeking answers amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
Expert Insights on the Matter
To shed light on the significance and implications of this controversial move, we sought the expertise of Dr. Aisha Rahman, a prominent education analyst and researcher specializing in Islamic schools in India.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of compliance with educational regulations while balancing cultural and religious sensitivities. She highlighted the need for transparent communication between educational authorities and religious institutions to prevent such conflicts in the future.
“In a diverse and multicultural society like India, it is crucial for both educational bodies and religious institutions to work collaboratively towards a common goal of providing quality education while upholding religious values. This incident underscores the importance of clear guidelines and communication channels to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to drastic actions like the sealing of madrasahs,” Dr. Rahman expressed.
Community Impact and Moving Forward
The closure of these madrasahs has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the local Muslim community, raising concerns about religious freedoms, educational access, and government regulations. As the protests continue and investigations unfold, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what measures will be taken to address the underlying causes.
In times of uncertainty and conflict, fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to finding sustainable solutions that uphold both educational standards and religious liberties. The road ahead may be challenging, but with open communication and a shared commitment to integrity and inclusivity, it is possible to navigate through these complex issues and build a more harmonious educational landscape for all.
