Poonam Sharma
Very Recently Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved a transformative decision: the introduction of the “Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2025”. This new law proposes establishing the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority (USAME), a regulator for educational institutions run by minority communities
Key Changes and Implications
Future of Madrasa Boards:
The legislation formally ends the current Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, along with the Uttarakhand Non-Governmental Arabic & Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, by July 1, 2026
Following this, madrasa institutions—like other minority-run schools—must register with USAME to continue their operations.
Expansion of Minority Recognition:
Previously, only Muslim institutions received the minority-school status and associated benefits. Under the new Act, Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi community schools will also be eligible—making it an inclusive, statewide reform
Overhaul of Recognition Process:
Institutions must now undergo transparent recognition through USAME to operate legally.
Criteria include registration under the Society Act, Trust Act, or Company Act, possessing assets (land, bank accounts, etc.) in the institution’s name, and maintaining transparency and social harmony. Failure to meet standards may result in the withdrawal of recognition Additionally, non-minority students enrolled in these institutions must not exceed 15% of total enrollment
Maintaining Educational Quality:
USAME will ensure that minority-run institutions adhere to the curriculum and assessment standards of the Uttarakhand Board of School Education. The Authority will assist in developing minority-related subjects and conduct examinations. It won’t interfere in daily operations but will uphold educational excellence and equity
Background—Madrasa Irregularities:
The reform follows reports of widespread irregularities—among 452 registered madrasas, over 500 were operating illegally. The government had already sealed 237 of them after detecting anomalies in scholarship disbursement and midday meals
Historical Context—Past Actions:
Over the past couple of years, the state took stricter measures:
In March 2025, authorities sealed 52 madrasas due to unauthorized operations and infrastructure-related issues
In 2024, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) recommended dissolving the madrasa board across all states, urging formal schooling for madrasa students and alleging violations of the Right to Education (RTE) Act
The Uttarakhand High Court also intervened—ordering reopening of certain madrasas closed without due process—and demanded legal clarity regarding sealings
Summary: Will the Madrasa System End?
Not entirely—but transformed. The “madrasa” system in Uttarakhand won’t completely vanish—but it will end as an autonomous system under the current Madrasa Board framework.
From July 1, 2026, all madrasa institutions must obtain recognition from the newly formed USAME to continue operating under a unified, transparent, and regulated minority-education framework.
The move reflects a shift towards inclusivity (by including multiple minority communities), educational standardization, and accountability.
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