Chennai: Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) president and MLA Prof. M.H. Jawahirullah has condemned the Uttarakhand government’s decision to dissolve the state’s Madrasa Education Board, calling it a violation of constitutional rights and an attack on minority institutions.
In a statement, Prof. Jawahirullah said bringing all minority-run institutions under the state education board was discriminatory and unconstitutional. “The decision to remove the autonomous structure of madrasas instead of strengthening and modernizing them undermines minority educational rights,” he said.
The Uttarakhand government announced plans to affiliate all madrasas under the state board through the new Minorities Education Act 2025. Jawahirullah said this measure violates Article 30 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.
He warned that the move would destroy the unique identity and pedagogical autonomy of madrasas, calling it “a reprehensible act that disregards India’s plural character.” He also highlighted the historic contribution of madrasas in shaping national leadership and intellectual thought.
“Madrasas have produced scholars, reformers, and national leaders. Presidents Zakir Hussain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Munshi Premchand, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy all received madrasa education,” he said.
Jawahirullah urged the Uttarakhand government to reverse its decision and engage in dialogue with minority representatives. He emphasized that real progress in education depends on inclusiveness and respect for cultural diversity. “India’s strength lies in its diversity. Any attempt to destroy that diversity weakens democracy,” he stated.
