Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh minister Usha Thakur demanded a survey of madrasas in the state and called for the closing down of those which are unregistered, IANS reported.
According to officials, there are 500 to 550 unregistered madrasas operating in the state illegally, though there are no official data to support the numbers.
The minister for Cultural and Religious Trusts in the BJP-led state government, Thakur, wrote the school education department demanding the same after the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh government ordered an investigation of the Waqf Board's properties.
Usha Thakur said, "I have written to the school education department and have recommended a survey of all madrasas operating across Madhya Pradesh."
But the demand is not a first. The National Commission for Minorities (MCM) had recommended the same in May to ascertain whether there are proper infrastructures and facilities in madrasas, IANS reports.
Madhya Pradesh government's data suggest that there are nearly 2,650 registered madrasas in the state, and the government provides a yearly grant of Rs 25,000 for each of them.
Further, the registration of fresh madrasas has been stopped since 2019 in the state, and the registration of registered madrasas was renewed every three years.
According to officials, there are 500 to 550 unregistered madrasas operating in the state illegally, though there are no official data to support the numbers. Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Protection Committee claimed that at least four illegal madrasas are operating in Bhopal alone.