The Uttarakhand government has intensified its crackdown on illegal madrasas operating without proper documentation, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordering an in-depth investigation into their funding sources. The probe aims to determine whether these institutions are being financed through hawala networks or foreign entities under the guise of religious education.
Over the past month, authorities have sealed 136 illegal madrasas across the state for failing to provide valid documentation. Reports indicate that while 450 madrasas are registered, over 500 unauthorised madrasas continue to operate without any recognition. This raises serious concerns regarding their source of funding and whether these institutions are being used for activities beyond education.
With large sums of money flowing into these illegal institutions, the government suspects a well-planned conspiracy to use madrasas for purposes other than education. CM Dhami has directed officials to submit a detailed report on their funding, including the origins of the money, salary payments to staff, and financial transactions linked to these establishments.
A disturbing trend has emerged with illegal madrasas mushrooming in towns adjacent to Uttar Pradesh, including Jaspur, Bajpur, Kichha, Kashipur, Rudrapur, Gadarpur, Pachhadun, and Haridwar district. Security agencies are alarmed over the increasing presence of such institutions in sensitive border areas, raising concerns about potential threats to national security. The government is treating this as a serious issue of internal security, given the possibility of radicalisation and foreign funding.
The Dehradun district administration sealed an illegally constructed madrasa in Sahaspur, which had expanded without obtaining permission. Officials had previously issued a notice regarding the unauthorised construction, but after non-compliance, strict action was taken.
The Chief Minister has assured that the crackdown on illegal madrasas, unauthorised mazars, and encroachments will continue across Uttarakhand. Authorities have been given strict instructions to verify student enrollments and scrutinise financial transactions of these institutions.
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