Bhopal, August 13, 2024: In a move of far-reaching importance, the Madhya Pradesh state education department has revoked the recognition of 61 madrasas, citing reasons such as “suspicious activities” and the absence of enrolled students. This action comes as part of a broader inspection exercise initiated by the state government, which targets all 1,677 madrasas operating across the state, reports The Indian Express.
The inspection, the first of its kind under Chief Minister Mohan Singh Yadav’s administration, has sparked widespread concern among the state’s Muslim community. The decision to derecognize these educational institutions was made following directives from School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh, who on July 30 ordered that any madrasa failing to adhere to state guidelines should have its recognition revoked immediately, with any assistance from the School Education Department withdrawn.
District education officers have assured that the 569 children affected by the derecognition will be accommodated in government schools. This move is part of the state’s effort to ensure that students continue their education without interruption.
The inspection campaign and subsequent derecognition have raised questions about the broader implications for religious education in the state, with many expressing concerns over the potential for discrimination and the impact on the affected communities. As the state continues its inspections, the future of many more madrasas hangs in the balance.
