4,000 madrasas near Indo-Nepal border under SIT lens over foreign funding
These religious schools have come under the scrutiny of the state government due to their receipt of foreign contributions.
LUCKNOW The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the case of foreign funding in Madrasas, focusing particularly on approximately 4,000 institutions operating near the Indo-Nepal border. These religious schools have come under the scrutiny of the state government due to their receipt of foreign contributions.
The SIT comprises a three-member team headed by ADG ATS Mohit Agarwal, accompanied by SP Cyber Crime Dr Triveni Singh and Director of Minority Welfare, J Reebha. The team has already convened once to outline the investigative approach, with further meetings scheduled for October 30.
J Reebha, director of Minority Welfare, said, “The three-member SIT, as appointed by the state government, is tasked with a comprehensive audit of funds received by these madrasas. We have formally requested records concerning foreign funds from the relevant officials. These records are expected to detail all madrasas that have received, or are currently receiving, regular foreign funding. Our precise course of action will be determined once the SIT has the opportunity to review these records during subsequent meetings.”
An official from the U.P. State Madrasa Education Board confirmed, “Indeed, we have been asked to provide information regarding those madrasas consistently receiving foreign funds. Our officials are diligently preparing the comprehensive data required to fulfill this request.”
It is noteworthy that following a madrasa survey conducted last year, authorities discovered several madrasas in border regions that had received substantial funding but could not adequately account for these finances. As a response to this discovery, the U.P. government resolved to investigate the potential misappropriation of foreign donations received by madrasas across the state.
Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Javed, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board, expressed his support for the investigation, saying, “I have been informed that the SIT has been formed and has initiated its inquiry into the foreign funds received by various madrasas within the state. The Madrasa Education Board stands ready to collaborate with the SIT throughout the investigation. I have directed our officials to provide all the necessary documents requested by the ATS. It is a positive development that madrasas receiving foreign funds will be required to furnish details. I am hopeful that these madrasas, the majority of which are patriotic and deeply love their country, will cooperate and clear their names.”