Is a land grabbing game being played under the guise of education? Questions raised over 'Tehzeeb Islamic Schools' in Mumbai's Govandi

Mumbai Islamic Tehzeeb School Controversy: The controversy over alleged illegal schools in Mumbai is deepening. It has been claimed that there are 164 schools in the city operating against regulations and requiring action. These schools are accused of engaging in illegal construction and land grabbing under the guise of running educational institutions. Questions have also been raised about the administration’s failure to take concrete action over the past year. According to available data, a large number of these 164 schools are English-medium, while Marathi, Hindi, and Urdu-medium schools are also included.

‘Tehzeeb Islamic School’ in Govandi Area

The Govandi case — Amid this, a controversy has emerged in Mumbai’s Govandi area over an alleged illegal school named ‘Tehzeeb Islamic School’. A visit was made to this school, and discussions were held with BMC officials. According to BMC officials, a notice has already been issued to the school, and action will begin from Monday.

Allegations of illegal encroachment on government land

It was alleged in a media interaction that illegal construction and land grabbing have taken place under the name of the school. Land mafia may be involved. In some cases, involvement of Bangladeshi infiltrators has also been alleged. It was claimed that construction was done after encroaching on temple land. It is also alleged that other commercial activities are being carried out under the school’s name. A fair investigation and strict action have been demanded in the entire matter.

Bhiwandi’s Identity as ‘Mini Bangladesh’

It may be noted that the Govandi area in Mumbai is also known as ‘Mini Bangladesh’. A large number of open illegal schools are reportedly operating there. According to reports, there are approximately 65 such alleged illegal schools in Govandi alone, running without any recognition or permission. These schools are being used as a means for land mafia and illegal encroachment, raising questions about the local administration and law and order.

It Is Called ‘School Jihad’

Questions have also been raised about the role of the BMC in this matter. Officials have assured that strict action will be initiated from Monday against Tehzeeb Islamic School and other identified illegal structures. This may include sealing and demolition actions. The entire episode has been termed ‘school jihad’, and swift and impartial action has been demanded from the administration to curb the trend of illegal construction and land grabbing in the city.

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s largest city and its financial and entertainment capital. Originally a group of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities, it was ceded to the British in 1661 and rapidly grew into a major port and commercial hub under colonial rule. Today, Mumbai is a vibrant, densely populated metropolis famous for Bollywood, its colonial architecture, and its diverse cultural heritage.

Govandi

Govandi is a densely populated suburb located in the eastern part of Mumbai, India, known for its large landfill site and associated waste management industry. Historically, it developed as a settlement for migrant workers and has faced significant environmental and social challenges due to the Deonar dumping ground. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve infrastructure and living conditions in the area.

Tehzeeb Islamic School

Tehzeeb Islamic School is an educational institution that combines standard academic curricula with Islamic

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s financial and entertainment capital, located on the west coast. Originally a group of seven islands, it was ceded to the British in 1661 as part of a royal dowry and later developed into a major colonial port and trading hub. Today, it is a bustling metropolis known for Bollywood, historic landmarks like the Gateway of India, and its diverse cultural heritage.

Govandi

Govandi is a locality in eastern Mumbai, India, historically known for its role as a major dumping ground and landfill site since the 1970s. Over time, it developed into a densely populated residential and industrial area, home to numerous migrant communities. Despite facing significant environmental and social challenges, Govandi has also become a site of grassroots activism and urban development initiatives aimed at improving living conditions.

Tehzeeb Islamic School

Tehzeeb Islamic School is an educational institution that combines a standard academic curriculum with Islamic studies, aiming to nurture students’ religious and moral development alongside secular knowledge. Its history reflects a broader trend of establishing private Islamic schools in Western countries to preserve cultural and religious identity among Muslim communities. The school emphasizes character building based on Islamic principles, often serving as a hub for community gatherings and interfaith dialogue.

Mini Bangladesh

Mini Bangladesh is a cultural theme park located in Gazipur, near Dhaka, Bangladesh, designed to showcase the country’s diverse heritage and landmarks in a single location. It features scaled-down replicas of famous sites such as the National Parliament House, Ahsan Manzil, and the Sundarbans, along with traditional village settings and cultural exhibits. Established to promote tourism and national pride, the park offers visitors a condensed yet vibrant experience of Bangladesh’s history, architecture, and rural life.

Bhiwandi

Bhiwandi is a city in Maharashtra, India, historically known as a significant trading hub due to its location along ancient trade routes. It gained prominence during the medieval period under various rulers, including the Bahmani Sultanate and the Mughals, and later flourished as a major center for textile manufacturing. Today, Bhiwandi is renowned as one of India’s largest powerloom and textile hubs, blending its rich historical legacy with modern industrial significance.

BMC

BMC typically refers to the “British Motor Corporation,” a major British automotive company formed in 1952 through the merger of Austin and Morris. It became one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, known for iconic models like the Mini and the Morris Minor, and was later absorbed into British Leyland in 1968.

Bollywood

Bollywood is the informal name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. It originated in the early 20th century, with its first feature film, *Raja Harishchandra* (1913), and grew into a global cultural phenomenon known for its vibrant musicals and dramatic storytelling. Today, it produces hundreds of films annually, blending traditional Indian themes with modern influences.

Deonar dumping ground

The Deonar dumping ground, located in Mumbai, India, is one of the largest and oldest landfill sites in the country, having been in operation since the 1920s. Originally established as a waste disposal site for the growing city, it has expanded over decades to cover over 130 hectares and now receives thousands of tons of garbage daily. The site has a contentious history, marked by frequent fires, environmental pollution, and health hazards for nearby communities, while also serving as a source of livelihood for thousands of informal waste pickers.