NHRC Seeks Report On Alleged Illegal Conversion Racket Operating In MP’s Madrasas

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh government on allegations of a well-organised illegal conversion racket that is reportedly targeting Hindu children by enrolling them in unauthorized madrasas across several districts of the state.

In a complaint dated September 26, it was alleged that 556 Hindu children have been admitted to 27 unrecognised madrasas in areas including Morena, Islampura, Zaura, Poursa, Ambah, Kailaras, and Sambalgarh.

These institutions, the complaint claimed, are teaching the Quran and Hadees without government approval, in violation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015, Article 28(3) of the Constitution, and a state government order dated August 16, 2024, which prohibits non-Islamic children from being admitted to Islamic madrasas.

The complaint also alleged possible illegal foreign funding and links to “anti-national elements”, adding that despite the matter being raised more than a year ago, no meaningful action had been taken by authorities.

Taking cognizance of the complaint, an NHRC bench led by Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo issued a notice to the Principal Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh School Education Department, directing an inquiry into the allegations and submission of an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.

In its statement, the Commission observed, “As per Article 21-A of the Constitution, the state is duty-bound to enrol all children in schools. Madrasas are not categorised as schools under the Right to Education Act. Hence, it is not understood how and why Hindu children are admitted there.”

The complainant has sought urgent intervention, calling for the registration of an FIR, rescue of the affected children, strict action against madrasa operators, and a multi-agency, high-level probe to dismantle the alleged network.

The NHRC has directed that a copy of the ATR be sent by email to the Commission within the stipulated timeframe.

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