Over the past few days, authorities in Uttarakhand have shut down at least 170 madrasas, citing their failure to register with either the Madrasa Board or the state education department.
In the Muslim-majority area of Banbhulpura in Haldwani, a joint team comprising officials from the district administration, municipal body, and local police carried out a special inspection on Sunday, April 13. During the drive, seven madrasas were sealed for allegedly operating without proper registration.
A press release from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s office stated that the action was based on findings from extensive surveys conducted by specially appointed government teams.
Defending the move, CM Dhami said that institutions which, under the guise of education, promote radicalism among children would not be allowed to operate. He called the crackdown on unregistered madrasas a “historic” measure.
Officials have indicated that this could be the beginning of a larger campaign, with nearly 500 madrasas currently under investigation and at risk of being shut down. Several of the institutions targeted have been functioning for decades, sparking concern among local communities.
Civil rights groups and Muslim religious leaders have called on the state to adopt a transparent and just approach, warning that indiscriminate closures without due process could deepen mistrust and alienate already marginalised communities.
