Major Change in Uttarakhand: Madrasa Board Abolished, New Minority Education Authority to Operate from July 1

The Uttarakhand government has decided to abolish the Madrasa Board and establish the State Minority Education Authority, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

The Pushkar Singh Dhami government of Uttarakhand has taken a major and important decision in the state's education system. The government has decided to abolish the Madrasa Board. The Madrasa Board will now be replaced by the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority. Following the Governor's approval, the government has issued a notification establishing this new authority. This decision is considered the beginning of a new era in the state's minority education system.

According to the government notification, a total of 11 positions, including the Chairman, have been filled in the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority. Dr. Surjeet Singh Gandhi, a retired professor from Roorkee-based BSM PG College, has been appointed as the Chairman of this authority. The government states that this authority will now determine the direction and condition of all minority educational institutions in the state.

Why the Madrasa Board Was Abolished

Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Special Secretary to the Uttarakhand Government, stated that a bill abolishing the Madrasa Board was passed in the last legislative session. Following this, the new authority was formed on the Governor's instructions. The government believes this step was necessary for a uniform and better education system.

What Will the New Authority Do?

The primary function of the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority will be to manage and monitor madrasa institutions and other minority educational institutions. This authority will determine the nature of education in these institutions and the structure of the syllabus. The government states that improving the quality of education will be the primary objective of this authority.

New Recognition Rules

All minority educational institutions under the new authority will now be required to obtain accreditation from the Uttarakhand Board of School Education. This means that madrasas and other minority institutions will no longer be under a separate system, but will be integrated into the state's main education system. This will facilitate students' further education and careers.

When will the new system be implemented?

According to Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority will fully come into existence on July 1, 2026. This new authority will begin functioning from this date, replacing the Madrasa Board. The government says that all necessary preparations will be completed within this period.

Who will be on the board?

Created on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, this authority board includes several renowned academics and officials. In addition to Dr. Surjeet Singh Gandhi, Chairman, Prof. Rakesh Jain, Dr. Syed Ali, Prof. Pema Tenzin, Dr. Elba Madriles, Prof. Robina Aman, Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Rajendra Bisht, and retired IAS officer Chandrashekhar Bhatt are members.

The Director General of School Education, the Director of State Educational Research, and the Director of Minority Welfare will also be members of this authority. This board will jointly make all important decisions related to education.

The focus will also be on the syllabus.

The new authority will not be limited to monitoring institutions. It will also determine the syllabus for minority educational institutions. The government says the syllabus will be such that it allows students to engage with modern education and does not lag behind in further studies or employment.