Uttarakhand BJP govt seals 20 madrasas across state

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has intensified its crackdown on madrassas over alleged violations of recognition and regulatory requirements, with three more Muslim-run religious schools sealed in Dehradun and Haldwani.

The latest action brings the number of madrassas whose operations have been stopped across the state to 20, according to Minority Welfare Department Special Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate. The move has brought renewed attention to government scrutiny of Muslim educational institutions in the state.

In Dehradun, Madrasa Jamia Tussalam Al Islamia in Azad Colony was sealed. Authorities said the operators of Madrasa Darul Arqam in Majra and Madrasa Darul Uloom Rahimia had also stopped their operations.

In Haldwani, authorities sealed Madrasa Jamia Nooria Barkate Amina on Shani Bazaar Road in Gaujajali North and another madrasa operating in Indiranagar, Banbhulpura. City Magistrate A.B. Vajpayee said the managements had been asked to produce documents relating to their recognition, but failed to submit the required records.

The government has so far sealed 17 madrassas across Uttarakhand, apart from those involved in the latest action, officials said.

The crackdown comes amid the state government's increasing emphasis on regulatory compliance among madrassas, which primarily serve Muslim communities. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has maintained that educational institutions cannot operate without complying with prescribed rules and recognition conditions.

The government says the drive is aimed at ensuring academic standards and quality education, while warning that action against institutions found to be in violation of regulations will continue.