Madrasa Education Act-2004: Lucknow Bench of Uttar Pradesh High Court, while giving a historic verdict on Friday, has ordered to abolish the UP Board of Madrasa Education Act-2004. The High Court declared this Act unconstitutional and said, Madrasa Education Act-2004 is against the principle of secularism. This should be ended.
The Lucknow bench of the High Court, while hearing the case, has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to accommodate the students studying in madrassas in the basic education system. The High Court has given this decision while hearing the writ petition challenging the powers of the UP Madrasa Board.
There are about 16 thousand madrasas running in Uttar Pradesh. Of these, five and a half thousand madrassas are recognized. 10 thousand madrassas are running on temporary recognition. Some are operational even after the expiry of the recognition period. Yogi Adityanath’s government had formed SIT in October 2023 to investigate madrassas on the apprehension of foreign funding.
SIT is visiting Madrasas and collecting information about the activities and courses conducted there. Foreign funding is being investigated. Anshuman Singh Rathore and others had challenged the Act by filing a petition in the High Court. Amicus Curiae Akbar Ahmed and other advocates presented their side in the court.
Recommendation to close 13 thousand madrasas
- Recently, SIT had recommended the closure of 13 thousand madrasas in Uttar Pradesh. In the investigation report, SIT has claimed that many madrassas operating in Nepal border have been constructed with the money received from Gulf countries.
- SIT had sought details of income and expenditure from the madrassa operators, but they could not provide them. Some have claimed to have constructed the madrasa with the donated money, but could not reveal the names of the donors. Out of 23 thousand madrassas of Uttar Pradesh, documents of temporary recognition have been found with 5 thousand.
What is UP Board of Madrasa Education Act?
- The Uttar Pradesh government had passed the UP Board of Madrasa Education Act in 2004 to improve the education system of Madrasas. Under this law, government aid was also provided to recognized madrassas. Provided that they meet the minimum standards. The curriculum, educational materials and appointment of teachers were also made under the provisions of this Act.
- The objective of the UP Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 was to improve the educational quality and connect it with the modern education system. But some people believe that this law reduces the autonomy of madrassas and prevents them from secular education. After the High Court’s decision, government assistance will stop. The court has considered these to be contrary to the basic principles of secularism.
