In a series of revelations related to the functioning of madrasas in Uttarakhand, a surprising truth has once again surfaced. Incredibly, more than 700 Hindu students are currently receiving Islamic education in schools across the state.

A report in this regard has been submitted to the NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) by the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board. This report prompted the Commission to take up the matter by conveying its concerns to the Uttarakhand government in an official letter.

When asked for information, Rajendra Singh, Director of Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board, informed the Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights that 749 Hindu students were studying in 30 madrassas of the Uttarakhand.

There are a total of 7,399 students in these 30 madrasas. Of these, 21 madrasas are in Haridwar, 9 madrasas in Udham Singh Nagar and 1 madrasa in Goular Ghati Ramnagar of Nainital district. Madrasas are found in Jwalapur, Bahadrabad, Laksar, Tilakpuri, Mahawatpur, Roorkee, Mangalore, etc. in Haridwar.

There are also madrasas in Dak Bungalow Khera, Nai Basti, Laxmipur, Jaspur, Kela Khera in Bajpur area, Ganeshpura, Mahua Khera of Kashipur etc. in Udham Singh Nagar district.

There is a lack of government basic secondary education in these areas as public schools here have closed due to a decline in the number of children. All these areas reached such a point that after the formation of the state they became dominated by Muslims and madrasas started opening there. Interestingly, the Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital district administrations have not taken any initiative to admit these Hindu children to any school under the RTE Act.

Apart from Dehradun and Nainital districts, there are many places where survey has not been conducted. In local schools, a significant number of Hindu children were required to receive Islamic education.

Priyanka Kanungo, Chairperson of the NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) has wrote a letter on November 2, 2023 to the Chief Minister of Minority Affairs of Uttarakhand seeking details about this problem.

The letter sought to understand the underlying reason why Hindu children were sent to these institutions. NCPCR has asked for a comprehensive report to be submitted by November 9, 2023 in this regard.

Bharatiya Janata Party state president Mahendra Bhatt said, “Some madrasas are said to have included names of Hindu children in their registration efforts to increase student numbers and get more funding. In view of this, we have initiated discussions with the Minister, emphasizing the need to take stringent measures, considering the nature of Islamic education imparted in these madrassas.

Shamoon Qasmi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Uttarakhand Madarsa, said: “Primary education has been provided in schools as per the Education Policy of India and this is the practice in most schools. Even though some people lack awareness, we still demand an investigation into this matter.

He added: “Following the Commission’s letter, we requested an inquiry to ensure that madrassas are not considered just centers of learning for one religion. Our aim is to promote inclusivity, fostering an environment where not only Muslim children but also Hindu children can receive education. We are actively working towards creating such an inclusive atmosphere.”