India: Uttarakhand passes Minority Education Bill, to dissolve Madrasa Board by 2026

India: Uttarakhand passes Minority Education Bill, to dissolve Madrasa Board by 2026
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The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, which will be tabled in the state assembly. Muslim Mirror reported. The Bill provides for the dissolution of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Non-Governmental Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, by July 1, 2026. Once enacted, a single authority will oversee all minority educational institutions, ending the independent madrasa board.

According to the state government, the move will ensure a transparent recognition process for minority institutions, improve educational standards, and safeguard constitutional rights. Officials described the measure as a “historic win for the country.”

However, Muslim leaders criticized the Bill, saying it disproportionately impacts the community. One Muslim scholar argued that the dissolution of the madrasa board reveals government bias and urged the Prime Minister to intervene. Critics claim the changes undermine promises to support both traditional and modern education for Muslims.