Chicago – August 21, 2025
In Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, hundreds of Muslim families are worried after the district administration recently shut down more than 40 madrasas. Officials have declared these madrasas “illegal” following an investigation ordered by the state government under Yogi Adityanath.
District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi said that 120 madrasas were inspected, and 42 were closed because they didn’t have proper registration or documents. Authorities have sent a letter to the registrar for further action, and investigations into other madrasas are still ongoing.
Parents of students are worried because there are no alternative schooling options available. Many fear that their children will be left without education. The administration has not yet provided any concrete plans to help the displaced students or assist poor families in finding new schools.
Jitendra Kumar, the District Minority Welfare Officer, informed the media that although 42 madrasas have been closed, 74 madrasas are still operational in the district, but they may face action soon.
Members of the Muslim community argue that the sudden decision has impacted the poorest people the most. Madrasas, especially in rural areas, have long been the only source of basic education and moral guidance for many poor Muslim children.
Human rights groups say this is not the first time madrasas have faced such scrutiny in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government having pushed for strict surveillance and even proposals to shut down some madrasas in the past.
