Massive Crackdown on Illegal Madrasas in Uttarakhand: Dhami Govt Seals 222 Institutions

In a strong and unprecedented move, the Uttarakhand government has sealed 222 illegal madrasas operating across the state. The action comes as part of a sweeping crackdown ordered by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aiming to curb unauthorized and unregulated religious institutions that reportedly failed to comply with state regulations.

This move reflects the government’s commitment to law, order, and quality education, sending a powerful message to institutions violating the legal framework.

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Why the Crackdown on Illegal Madrasas?

The decision to target illegal madrasas followed a detailed investigation and survey conducted by the state administration. Several madrasas were found operating without mandatory registration, violating state education norms, and in some cases, functioning without proper infrastructure or trained faculty.

Authorities reported that these illegal madrasas posed potential risks to children’s education and raised serious security concerns. “No institution can be allowed to function outside the legal framework,” stated an official from the Uttarakhand education department.

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What Makes a Madrasa Illegal?

In Uttarakhand, as in many other states, religious and educational institutions are required to be registered, follow a standardized curriculum, and meet infrastructure and faculty requirements. Madrasas that fail to meet these requirements or operate without registration are categorized as illegal madrasas.

Several sealed institutions were reportedly found violating the Right to Education Act, with unregistered teachers, no student records, and no adherence to the state’s syllabus guidelines.

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Dhami Government’s Stand on Illegal Madrasas

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has stood firm on his zero-tolerance policy against any institution—religious or secular—that breaks the law. Speaking to the media, Dhami said, “This is not a move against any particular community, but against institutions that do not follow the law. Education is the right of every child, and it must be provided in a secure, transparent, and accountable environment.”

This development comes after a series of reforms introduced by the Dhami administration to standardize education and ensure transparency in religious institutions. The government is also reportedly planning to bring all madrasas under a central monitoring mechanism.

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Public Reaction and Political Response

The move has sparked mixed reactions across the state. Many residents have welcomed the crackdown, seeing it as a long-overdue measure to maintain educational integrity. “Our children deserve proper education in safe and legal institutions,” said a parent from Haridwar, one of the districts where several illegal madrasas were shut down.

However, some opposition leaders and community representatives have raised concerns about the manner in which the crackdown was conducted. They urged the government to ensure that genuine institutions are not targeted in the name of legality.

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What Happens Next?

Following the sealing of these 222 illegal madrasas, the state government has directed district authorities to carry out further inspections. Legal action will be initiated against the operators of the sealed institutions, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate affected students by integrating them into formal education systems.

A comprehensive database of all registered madrasas is being developed to prevent such irregularities in the future. The state education department has also announced plans for periodic inspections and strict audits.

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A Step Toward Transparency and Educational Reform

The crackdown on illegal madrasas is part of a broader reform agenda of the Dhami government that seeks to modernize education while respecting cultural and religious values. The initiative aims to strike a balance between faith-based learning and adherence to the law.

While the move may trigger political debate, the government maintains that its focus is on safeguarding the interests of children and ensuring that education remains a tool of empowerment rather than exploitation.

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Conclusion

The sealing of 222 illegal madrasas in Uttarakhand marks a significant milestone in the state’s educational and administrative reform journey. By taking a firm stance, the Dhami government is not only enforcing the law but also sending a clear message that education should never be compromised, no matter the setting.

This crackdown is expected to serve as a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges and is likely to stir a nationwide conversation about regulating religious education within the legal framework.