Uttarakhand has approved the Minority Education Bill, 2025, which is set to bring major changes to the state’s minority educational institutions, including madrasas. The bill aims to make the education system more transparent, accountable, and quality-oriented by creating a uniform framework for all minority-run schools. Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) gave his approval, paving the way for the bill to become law.
Under the new law, the existing Madrasa Board will be abolished. All minority schools, regardless of religion, will now come under a single regulatory system. The state government will establish a dedicated authority to recognize minority educational institutions officially. This authority will ensure that schools follow the standards of the Uttarakhand Board of School Education. It will also oversee fair and transparent student evaluations, making sure the academic process is monitored carefully.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated on October 6 that the bill will help bring transparency and accountability to minority education in Uttarakhand. He emphasized that the law will strengthen the overall education system while promoting social harmony in the state.
The Minority Education Bill, 2025, repeals earlier legislation, including the Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019. The changes will come into effect from July 1, 2026. The law also expands the definition of minority educational institutions beyond the Muslim community. It will now include Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi schools, which were not recognized under the previous system.
The new framework will allow the government to monitor schools effectively. Officials can issue directives to ensure schools operate correctly and maintain educational standards. This move comes after years of reported irregularities in madrasa management, including problems with central scholarship distribution and mid-day meal schemes. Some madrasas had also been found lacking proper administrative oversight. In recent months, at least 170 madrasas were sealed by state authorities as part of monitoring and enforcement measures.
According to the CM, these changes will empower the government to ensure better management of minority schools. By introducing uniform standards, the law aims to improve educational outcomes and promote harmony among different religious communities in Uttarakhand.
With the new bill, students attending minority institutions will have access to a more structured and transparent education system. Scholarships, meals, and other government schemes will now be monitored carefully to prevent misuse or irregularities. The law will also make it easier for schools to gain official recognition, improving their credibility and chances for funding.
Parents, guardians, and communities can expect greater clarity in school operations. The bill ensures that minority schools, whether run by Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, or Parsis, will follow consistent rules regarding curriculum, student evaluations, and management practices. This standardization is intended to strengthen the overall quality of education across the state.
ALSO READ: Ladakh conflict can be resolved under UT setup if trust is built carefully
The legislation was passed during the monsoon session of the Uttarakhand Assembly in Gairsain and had earlier received the approval of the state cabinet in August 2025. Officials say the move is a step toward creating a more accountable, inclusive, and high-quality education system in the state, ensuring that all minority-run schools operate fairly and effectively.
By introducing this law, the Uttarakhand government hopes to promote educational excellence while maintaining social harmony. With proper monitoring and a uniform set of rules, minority schools will now have clear guidance on administration, curriculum, and student welfare. The bill marks a significant step in modernizing and regulating minority education in Uttarakhand, aiming for long-term improvement in both quality and management of schools.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash