Dehradun, April 16 — In a bold move that has sparked both support and scrutiny, the Uttarakhand government has sealed at least 170 madrasas across the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has called the action a “historic step” towards ensuring regulatory compliance and transparency in religious educational institutions.
According to officials, the closures came after a thorough investigation revealed multiple violations ranging from lack of proper documentation and unregistered status to serious concerns about funding sources and operational legitimacy. The state government emphasized that the decision was not targeted at any community but aimed at ensuring all educational institutions meet state regulations.
“This is a historic step in the direction of accountability and transparency in education. No institution, regardless of its religious affiliation, will be allowed to operate illegally or without proper registration,” CM Dhami said while addressing reporters in Dehradun.
Sources in the education department revealed that this might just be the beginning. Nearly 500 more madrasas are currently under scrutiny, and several of them could face similar action in the coming weeks if found non-compliant.
The state has been tightening its grip on unregulated educational setups since last year, following reports of unauthorized schools operating without oversight. The government has stressed the importance of modern education and has encouraged all institutions, including madrasas, to align with national education standards.
While the move has been welcomed by some who see it as a step toward educational reform, others have expressed concern over the impact on students and religious communities. Several community leaders have urged the government to ensure that closures are conducted fairly and without bias.
Officials maintain that all affected institutions were given notice and opportunities to furnish proper documentation before action was taken.
With the spotlight now on the remaining madrasas under investigation, the coming weeks could bring more developments as the state pushes forward with its campaign for standardized and lawful education across Uttarakhand.
