Uttarakhand is set to dissolve the Madrassa Board ahead of the approval of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025, by Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.). This denotes that the bill will abolish the existing Madrassa Board and introduce a uniform law to govern all minority-run schools in the state. The move, as claimed by the BJP, will bolster transparency and quality in education.
Following the bill’s passage, existing laws governing madrasa education—including the 2016 Act and 2019 recognition rules—will be nullified by July 1, 2026.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said, “With the Governor’s approval, the path for this bill to become law has been paved.” Meanwhile, the Congress party has slammed the move, alleging that the government is targeting minority institutions systematically.
“Under this law, an authority will be established for the education system of minority communities, which will grant recognition to minority educational institutions,” He added.
Meanwhile, All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said, “The Uttarakhand government has dissolved the Madrasa Education Board and passed a Minority Education Bill. It is being said that from now on, all issues related to minorities will fall under this bill and the administration and control of madrasas will also come under its authority. It raises the question: there was already an educational mission in place. So why was there a need to introduce a separate Minority Education Bill and dissolve the Madrasa Board? If the Uttarakhand government genuinely wanted to work for the interests of minorities, the Madrasa Board could have been used to implement policies, conduct exams and manage all related matters…”
USAME MEMBERS
The USAME (Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education) will consist of 12 members, which include, a chairperson, six academics from the six minority religions, a retired civil servant of the rank of secretary, a social worker, and three ex officio members: the Director General of School Education, the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training, and the Director of the Minority Welfare Department. The board will meet at least once a quarter, and decisions will be made through voting.
This framework will establish an authority to grant official recognition to minority educational institutions, ensuring that their operations meet the standards set by the Uttarakhand Board of School Education.
“It will bring minority institutions, including madrasas, into a unified educational framework that ensures quality, equality, and better opportunities for students. Given the current condition of many madrasas in India, this reform is a forward-looking and progressive step that prioritizes students’ growth,” Advocate Nazish Rashid, Rajasthan High Court, said while talking to FoEJ Media.
“Bringing madrasas under the general education system would mean they must follow the state or national curriculum while continuing religious studies as an additional subject. This ensures uniform academic standards but limits their control over syllabus design,” she added.
According to the new policy, recognition will be granted in three academic session blocks. Clause (h) of Section 14 of the Act states that “the minority educational institution shall not compel its students or employees to take part in any of its religious activities.” The clause (i) requires minority institutions to appoint teachers who meet the qualification standards set by the Board. Clause (j) specifies that minority institutions must follow the rules of both the Board and the Uttarakhand School Association for Minority Education (USAME) in all academic, administrative, and financial matters. Meanwhile, Clause (k) prohibits these institutions from engaging in any activities that could disrupt communal or social harmony.
