In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, a startling case entwining Madrasas has surfaced. Reportedly, there are around 80 such Madrasas in Uttar Pradesh that have received approximately 100 crores in funding over the last 2 years. Investigations reveal that this entire sum has been dispatched to these Madrasas from abroad. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has its keen eye on this, delving into the sender’s identity, the source of these funds, and how they were expended. Every detail associated with this is under the relentless scrutiny of the SIT.
Where Did the Madrasa Funds Go?
A senior official mentioned that the SIT is now trying to trace how these funds allocated to the Madrasas were utilized and if there have been any discrepancies. It’s noteworthy that Uttar Pradesh houses approximately 24,000 Madrasas, with over 16,500 being accredited by the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Shiksha Board.
Unveiling the Reality Behind Foreign Funding
Mohan Agarwal, the ADG leading the ATS, expressed, “We are going to ascertain how the money acquired through foreign funding has been spent. Our aim is to determine whether these funds are being utilized to sustain the Madrasas or if they are being allocated for other activities. No timeline has been set yet to conclude the investigation.” According to sources, the SIT has requested data on registered Madrasas from the Madrasa Board.
Revelations from Madrasa Surveys
Last year, the Yogi Adityanath government instructed all district magistrates to conduct a survey of unaccredited Madrasas. This survey, spanning two months, disclosed that 8,449 Madrasas in UP were operating without accreditation from the Madarsa Shiksha Board.
Surge of Madrasas Near Nepal Border
Apart from regions like Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, and Bahraich, there are over 1,000 Madrasas thriving along the Nepal border. Sources reveal a rapid increase in the number of Madrasas in these areas in recent years. Furthermore, information about foreign funding reaching these Madrasas led to the formation of the SIT. The investigation by the minority affairs department also unveiled several Madrasas receiving foreign funding.
Connection with Illegal Infiltration?
Recently, the ATS apprehended three individuals associated with a gang involved in illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. Subsequently, it was discovered that an NGO in Delhi had received nearly 20 crores through foreign funding in three years, intended for illegal infiltration activities.
The unfolding scenario hints at a convoluted connection between Madrasas, foreign funding, and illegal activities, raising critical questions about the utilization of funds meant for educational institutions. The ongoing investigations by the SIT aim to unravel the intricate web of financial mismanagement and potential illegal activities, shedding light on the clandestine operations within these Madrasas.
