New Delhi: Under pressure from the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, many madrasa operators are choosing to relinquish official recognition to avoid harassment. Twelve madrasa operators in Kanpur recently took this step, citing continuous government interference as the reason for their decision.
Government Interference and Unjustified Monitoring
Maulana Tariq Qasmi, head of a madrasa in Kanpur, expressed disappointment, stating, “We never expected such treatment from a government that claims to respect all religions.” Operators claim that the Yogi government’s policies including frequent rule changes and constant monitoring are politically motivated and aim to disrupt their work.
“Modernization” or Coercion?
The state government’s claim that NCERT textbooks and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will modernize madrasa education has been met with skepticism. Madrasa heads argue that there is no financial support for curriculum development, staff training, or infrastructure improvements. The introduction of a new law requiring teachers and students to upload data to the U-DISE portal has further fueled discontent.
Maulana Faiyaz Ahmad from Unnao questioned the government’s motives, stating, “Where is the financial help if the government is truly concerned about modernizing madrasas?”
Madrasa Heads Speak Out Against Bureaucratic Bullying
Mufti Zameeruddin from Kanpur Dehat highlighted the increasing bureaucratic challenges, claiming that the government’s true intent is not transparency but to block madrasa operations. Many madrasa heads feel the government is using harassment to force them to abandon official recognition.
A Growing Trend of Withdrawal
As harassment increases, many madrasas are voluntarily withdrawing from official recognition to avoid inspections, possible closures, and government interference in their operations. One madrasa head, speaking anonymously, stated, “We’d rather run independently than bow to these unfair demands.”
Government’s Bias Against Madrasas?
Critics, including Maulana Farhan Khan from Bareilly, argue that the government’s focus on madrasas while neglecting poor private schools indicates a biased agenda. He questioned, “Instead of supporting madrasas, as per the Supreme Court’s judgment, they’re making our lives difficult.”
The Larger Agenda: Ideological Control?
With over 23,500 madrasas in Uttar Pradesh, many operators feel the government’s actions are driven more by ideology than by genuine educational reform. Prof. Zubair Ahmad, an expert on religious education, stated, “What we are witnessing is a Hindutva-driven attempt to eradicate minority institutions.”
Conclusion: Fear for the Future
Despite these challenges, madrasa operators are faced with a tough decision: while giving up recognition is not their first choice, it is becoming a necessary option to operate with dignity under the current environment. Maulana Shahid Raza from Kanpur emphasized the importance of madrasas in India’s educational fabric, saying, “Why are only Muslim establishments viewed with suspicion?”
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