Thousands of Islamic schools face threat of closure in India’s most populous state final
A court ruling in India’s northern Uttar Pradesh state has sparked protests among Muslim educators.
The decision could lead to the closure of thousands of Islamic schools, directly affecting more than 16,000 institutions, about 2 million students and about 100,000 teachers.
The Allahabad High Court invalidated the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004.
That law used to govern teachings in Islamic schools.
The court now has asked authorities to transfer students to mainstream institutions.
India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party claims the law benefits Muslim students by integrating them into modern education.
But Muslim leaders say it violates constitutional rights and overlooks modernization efforts being made in Islamic schools.
Teachers at the schools say they have adopted modern curricula since 2018.
Experts say the issue adds to longstanding concerns of discrimination against Muslims in India, particularly under BJP rule.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
