The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government after receiving a complaint alleging that Hindu children in the Morena-Shivpuri region are being enrolled in madrasas and taught the Quran.

Speaking to IANS, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said, “We received a complaint from Madhya Pradesh stating that in the Morena-Shivpuri region, Hindu children are being enrolled in madrasas and taught the Quran. The complainant also expressed concern that this could amount to the conversion of Hindu children to Islam. The matter is serious, with reports indicating that more than five children have already been enrolled in such institutions.”

Kanoongo stressed that madrasas do not fall under the category of recognised educational institutions under Indian law. “Our preliminary view is that enrolling Hindu children in madrasas is inappropriate. According to Article 21-A of the Constitution, it is the duty of the state to provide formal education through recognised schools. Madrasas do not fall under this category and are also outside the purview of the Right to Education Act,” he explained.

He further added, “Running madrasas with government funding and enrolling Hindu children in them raises serious concerns and reflects a significant administrative lapse.”

The NHRC has written to the Principal Secretary of Madhya Pradesh’s School Education Department, directing a full inquiry into the allegations. The Commission has asked for an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days, with a copy to be sent by email.

The complaint, dated September 26, also alleged that a “well-organised illegal conversion racket” is operating in several districts of Madhya Pradesh. It claims that 556 Hindu children have been enrolled in 27 unauthorised madrasas with the intent of converting them to Islam.

In its official statement, the NHRC said, “The Bench of the NHRC, presided over by Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance of the matter. The Registry is directed to issue a notice to the Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Madhya Pradesh, instructing them to investigate the allegations. It is also important to note that madrasas are not categorised as schools under Article 21-A or the Right to Education Act. Therefore, it is unclear how and why Hindu children are being admitted to these institutions.”