Uttarakhand Cabinet approves Minority Education Bill, to repeal Madrasa Act

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has cleared the Minority Education Bill, 2025, extending minority institution benefits to Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi communities. At present, such recognition applies only to Muslim institutions.

The law, once enacted, will repeal the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016 and the Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, effective from July 1, 2026.

The Bill also establishes an authority to grant recognition, monitor compliance with education standards, and withdraw approval in case of violations.

Former CM Harish Rawat criticised the move as “narrow-minded,” while Madrasa Board President Mufti Shamoon Qazmi welcomed it, saying quality education will improve.