Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand government has announced plans to dissolve the state Madrasa Board and integrate minority-run schools into the mainstream education system. The move, outlined by the Minority Welfare Department, aims to align madrasa curricula with the National Education Policy while keeping religious studies optional.
Over 400 registered madrasas in the state will now come under the School Education Department. Students will continue to learn religious subjects, but core academics such as science, mathematics, and English will become mandatory. Teachers may be required to meet standard qualifications, and infrastructure upgrades are expected to match mainstream schools.
Supporters argue that the reform will improve educational outcomes and expand employment opportunities for minority students. Critics, however, express concerns about potential erosion of religious and cultural identity, warning that rapid integration could impact traditional teaching methods. Madrasa administrators and Muslim organizations have offered mixed reactions, with some seeking clarity on implementation timelines.
The government maintains that the reform will ensure equitable education opportunities while respecting religious instruction. Officials emphasize that religious studies will remain part of the curriculum but will be separated from core academic subjects to provide students with comprehensive skill development.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in India, where similar policies have been implemented in other states to standardize minority education under NEP 2020. The move is expected to spark discussion on balancing educational modernization with preservation of cultural and religious heritage.
