Uttarakhand Cabinet approves proposal to introduce bill repealing madrasa board and expanding minority education benefits

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, during the upcoming assembly session beginning August 19 in Gairsain.

The move, if passed, will repe al the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the rules governing minority-run madrasas, effective July 1, 2026.

The draft legislation seeks to expand the scope of minority educational institution benefits, which currently apply only to Muslim-run establishments, to include institutions run by Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi communities.

A dedicated regulatory body — the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education — is proposed to oversee the recognition process. Institutions must register under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act, and maintain assets, land, and bank accounts in the institution’s name. Authority may revoke recognition in cases of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, or threats to social harmony.

The bill also authorizes the teaching of Gurmukhi and Pali languages in recognized institutions, starting July 1, 2026.

Muslim groups, particularly the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, have raised concerns that dissolving the madrasa board could undermine protections guaranteed under Articles 26 and 30 of the Constitution, which grant minorities the right to manage their educational institutions.

BJP state leaders say the Bill upholds the principle of “sabka saath, sabka vikas”, aiming to democratize minority rights and counter irregularities in the existing madrasa system.

Congress leader Harish Rawat criticized the move as politically motivated, advocating that the madrasa board should be reformed rather than abolished.

Mufti Shamoon Qazmi, Madrasa Board chairman, welcomed the proposal, stating it will benefit all communities and preserve religious education while promoting mainstream integration.

The Bill is part of a broader legislative push by the Uttarakhand government following recent actions against certain unauthorised madrasas; in February 2025, many such institutions were sealed for lacking recognition.

If enacted, this would be the first law in India to legally extend minority educational institution benefits beyond the Muslim community.