A major controversy has erupted over the functioning of state-aided madrasas in Uttar Pradesh after Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleged widespread irregularities including fraudulent teacher appointments, fake attendance records, and serious violations of children’s right to education.
Speaking to IANS, Kanoongo claimed that the Commission has received complaints regarding nearly 500 madrasas flagged by the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board. These complaints, he said, point to systemic corruption and administrative lapses that directly impact students and the utilisation of public funds.
One of the most striking allegations put forth by Kanoongo pertains to appointments made during the COVID lockdown period. He stated that 308 teachers were allegedly hired during a time when the country was under strict restrictions, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of the recruitment process.
“We have received complaint that when the entire country was under lockdown during Covid, 308 teachers were appointed in the madrasas, who were not even teachers. This is a clear violation of the rights of those students,” Kanoongo said.
According to him, these appointments were not only irregular but also indicative of a larger pattern of manipulation, where unqualified individuals were allegedly placed in teaching positions, thereby compromising the quality of education being imparted to students.
#WATCH | Delhi: On complaints regarding Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Board, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo says, “In Uttar Pradesh, numerous complaints have surfaced regarding irregularities in government-funded madrasas, including fake attendance, fraudulent appointments, and unqualified… pic.twitter.com/gQSJIeWsHG
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2026
“Family Raj” in Madrasas?
Further intensifying the allegations, Kanoongo claimed that nepotism appears to be deeply entrenched in the system. He alleged that in several cases, five to six members of the same family were appointed as teachers within a single madrasa.
“Five to six people from the same family are teachers in the madrasas,” he said, suggesting that recruitment processes may have been compromised to favour specific individuals.
In another example, he claimed to possess data indicating that a person serving as a manager in 11 madrasas was simultaneously appointed as a teacher in a 12th institution. “This is fraud,” he asserted, calling for a thorough investigation into such practices.
Concerns over student enrolment
Kanoongo also raised a contentious issue regarding the enrolment of Hindu students in state-aided madrasas. He stated that the NHRC has been receiving inputs suggesting that Hindu children are being enrolled in these institutions and trained in Islamic religious studies.
He claimed, “We have received many complaints that UP government-funded madrasas have made Hindu children into Alim, Fazil, Maulvi and Maulana. Not a single Madrassa in the state government has agreed to tell us the number of Hindu children who are being made eligible to go to Madrassa. These have to be investigated and we will investigate.”
Delhi: NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo says, “An Judge of the Honorable Allahabad High Court made a remark in connection with a case, which was about the illegal appointment in madrassas and violation of the right to education of children. In that, the Honorable Justice has remarked… pic.twitter.com/9IwVlWSwLx
— IANS (@ians_india) April 30, 2026
Calling the situation “ironical,” he alleged that madrasas have not been transparent about the number of such students.
However, Kanoongo maintained that the issue should not be viewed through a communal lens. “Rights are equal for both Hindus and Muslims in the country. We will keep fighting for the rights of people,” he emphasised.
NHRC orders probe, flags “Economic offences”
Taking cognisance of the complaints, the NHRC has directed state authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities. The Commission has flagged concerns over fake student attendance, fraudulent teacher appointments, and misuse of government funds.
Officials indicated that the probe may also examine what have been described as “economic offences” linked to madrasa operations. The Economic Offences Wing has reportedly been tasked with conducting parts of the investigation, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Kanoongo defended the Commission’s intervention, stating that it is well within its mandate to act in cases involving children’s rights and access to proper education. “The rights of minorities do not include the right to corruption,” he said, underlining the need for accountability.
The issue has also reached the Allahabad High Court, where a writ petition challenging the NHRC’s order is currently under consideration. The case has drawn attention after two judges expressed differing opinions on the Commission’s actions.
Justice Sreedharan reportedly observed that the NHRC may have exceeded its jurisdiction by involving the Economic Offences Wing in matters that, in his view, did not directly pertain to human rights. He also raised concerns about the Commission’s selective focus, referring to its handling of other incidents.
Delhi: NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo says, “Only when the report comes will we know. Before the report comes, there is a stay. We only say that if there is some irregularity, let the investigation be completed. Let everything become clear. If a stay is granted in the middle of the… pic.twitter.com/n8qOl2EAPC
— IANS (@ians_india) April 30, 2026
However, another bench did not echo these concerns and issued a separate order without such observations, reflecting a divergence in judicial interpretation of the NHRC’s role in the matter.
The unfolding controversy has once again brought into focus the broader issue of oversight in state-aided educational institutions. With public funds being allocated to madrasas, allegations of fraud and mismanagement raise serious questions about monitoring mechanisms and accountability.
If proven true, such irregularities could have far-reaching implications not only for the education system but also for governance and financial transparency. The case also underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, digital verification systems, and periodic audits to prevent misuse.
As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to scrutinise appointment records, attendance data, and financial transactions linked to the madrasas under question. The findings of the probe will determine the course of action, including possible disciplinary measures and systemic reforms.
For now, Kanoongo has made it clear that the NHRC will continue to pursue the matter. “Institutions that are functioning transparently have nothing to fear. But wherever there is wrongdoing, action will be taken,” he said.
The controversy has thus opened up a critical debate on transparency, governance, and the safeguarding of children’s rights within state-supported educational systems.
