Maharashtra government derecognises madrasas as schools

Mumbai: The BJP-led government in Maharashtra found itself embroiled in yet another controversy on Thursday over derecognition of madrasas.

The minority affairs department decided to de-recognise madrasas that teach students only religious matters without imparting formal education like teaching English, maths and science. Madrasa students will not be considered as “school-going children.”

State minority affairs Eknath Khadse said madrasas had never been recognised as schools. With Opposition criticising the move as communal, state HRD minister Vinod Tawde said madrasas “would not be de-recognised”.