Uttarakhand's Push for Modern Madrasas: A Balancing Act of Tradition and Education

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman emphasizes modernizing madrasas with NCERT syllabus for better education of Muslim children, ensuring their contribution to the nation. The state government takes action against illegal madrasas amid concerns of demographic changes, stressing the protection of cultural identity and education reform.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams has highlighted the need for madrasa modernization, advocating for the inclusion of the NCERT syllabus to provide Muslim children with a balanced education. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for Muslim youth and foster their contribution to national growth, while ensuring the educational curriculum surpasses purely religious texts.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, clarified that their position targets better education without isolating any religion. The directive includes a comprehensive review of criteria for opening madrasas, as underscored by a petition filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind at the Supreme Court contesting the closure of unregistered institutions.

Subdivisional Magistrate Ajayveer Singh reported recent closures of unregistered madrasas as part of a crackdown on illegal educational facilities. Intelligence reports suggesting demographic shifts have prompted the government to enforce stringent measures to preserve Uttarakhand's cultural heritage, resulting in the demolition of illegal structures and offering a message against illegal activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)