Uttarakhand plans to transfer students from closed madrassas

The Madrassa Education Board in Uttarakhand is addressing the situation of students affected by the closure of illegal madrassas. These madrassas were closed by the state government because they were not officially recognized. The board has asked district magistrates to help transfer students to approved madrassas. Chairman Mufti Shamoon Kasmi stated that while the government's action is necessary, the future of the children should not be compromised. A letter will be sent soon to district officials, urging them to facilitate transfers to recognized madrassas so that students can continue their education without disruption. About 100 illegal madrassas have been shut in five districts, including Dehradun and Haridwar, after inspections showed they operated without proper documentation. However, the number of students at these schools is reportedly small. Kasmi noted that many parents avoid sending their children to these schools due to the lack of basic facilities. The chairman supported the state’s efforts to enforce regulations, encouraging madrassa operators to legalize their institutions. He highlighted that the board recently recognized 49 madrassas and renewed affiliations for another 47. Kasmi also remarked that opposition parties are politicizing the closures, emphasizing that this action is not against any community but rather against illegal education institutions. He pointed out the government's initiative to integrate madrassa students into the mainstream education system. Since adopting a modern curriculum in 2023, the pass rate in madrassas increased to 96% in 2024.