Uttarakhand Waqf board urges madrassa registration, adoption of state syllabus

The Uttarakhand Waqf Board has instructed over 100 madrassas operating on its properties in the state to register with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education and fully adopt its syllabus.

"The decision was made during a recent Waqf Board meeting to ensure that children attending madrassas receive the same modern education as other students," Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams said on May 13.

The goal is to provide madrassa students with contemporary education, helping them face the challenges of a competitive academic and professional environment, Shams explained.

All madrassa management authorities have been notified of the decision and are expected to take necessary actions.

They have been asked to apply to the Chief Education Officer for registration with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education.

The board has also informed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about its decision.

According to Shams, there are 117 madrassas operating on Waqf properties in Uttarakhand. The modernization initiative will initially be implemented in at least 50 madrassas under the Waqf Board.

When asked if the decision would halt traditional religious education at madrassas, Shams clarified that students would still be able to pursue religious studies after regular school hours.