The recurrent issue of inspections plaguing madrassas in Uttar Pradesh has resurfaced, prompting the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Javed, to appeal to the Ministry of Minority Welfare for reconsideration. In a letter to Dharam Pal Singh, the head of the Minority Welfare and Waqf Department, Dr. Javed expressed deep apprehension regarding the continuous inspections of over 4,000 approved and aided madrassas in the state.
Stressing the burden on these institutions, which have undergone inspections three times since 2017, Dr. Javed urged the Ministry to postpone the ongoing inspections until after the current exams. He highlighted concerns about the inspection being recommended without proper due process and emphasized that the workload on madrassa officials has substantially increased during the ongoing process.
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Javed pointed out that despite a verbal order from Minister Dharam Pal Singh last September to halt inspections, they are persisting. He called for prompt action to address the issues raised by the Board of Madarsa Education.
Furthermore, Dr. Javed noted that all relevant records and information about madrassas, including details of teachers and employees, are already available on the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Board’s portal. He questioned the necessity of conducting the inspection for the fourth time and proposed a deferred inspection until after the ongoing examinations, concluding on February 13.
A delegation from the All India Teacher’s Association Madarise Arbia, led by Waheedullah Khan Saidi, met with Minister Dharam Pal Singh, submitting a letter echoing the chairman’s concerns. Additionally, Raj Bahadur Singh Chandel, Chairman of the UP Legislative Council Question and Reference Committee, wrote to the ministry, recommending the postponement of inspections in the interest of the students.
As the controversy persists, stakeholders await a response from the ministry, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of students and the effective functioning of madrassas across the state.
