Plan to Abolish Religious Schools Board in Uttarakhand Sparks Concern Among Rights and Muslim Groups

Plan to Abolish Religious Schools Board in Uttarakhand Sparks Concern Among Rights and Muslim Groups
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The Indian state of Uttarakhand’s decision to approve the Minorities Education Act 2025, which calls for dissolving the Religious Schools Board and integrating minority-run institutions into the public education system, has drawn concern from human rights organizations and Muslim groups. Critics argue that the move threatens the independence of religious education and the cultural identity of Muslim communities in the state.

Under the new law, endorsed by Governor Gurmit Singh, all religious schools will come under a new educational authority that oversees minority institutions and aligns them with the state’s education board. The reform aims to introduce the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and implement the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) starting in July 2026.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the move as a “historic step” toward a unified and modern education system. However, rights advocates and Islamic bodies warned that enforcing uniform curricula could marginalize traditional religious education and urged dialogue to safeguard minority rights.