Uttarakhand Govt. Tightens Grip on Madrassas, 23 Face Fund Halt
The BJP-led government in Uttarakhand has intensified its oversight of madrassas, freezing funds for 23 institutions in Haridwar district following alleged irregularities discovered during an investigation. This action follows the state's decision to dissolve the Uttarakhand Madrassa Board and establish a new Minority Education Authority Board, a move that has sparked political and social debate.
Officials stated the crackdown aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper regulation in minority educational institutions. An investigation into 131 madrassas linked to a government nutrition scheme for children revealed several irregularities related to records, attendance, and operational procedures. District Education Officer Amit Nand reported that 121 madrassa operators attended a review meeting, while 10 institutions requested to shut down the nutrition scheme on the same day, raising suspicion.
A special review team was formed to monitor these institutions. Madrassas were required to upload daily information and photographs of meals served to children. Officials claimed four madrassas failed to provide updates, and three did not maintain annual records properly. Authorities also alleged six madrassas showed inflated student numbers in official records. Following these findings, the administration froze March and April funds for 23 madrassas, while the remaining 108 institutions continue to receive benefits under the scheme.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Recognition Rules, 2026. Under these new rules, all madrassas and minority educational institutions must obtain recognition from the newly formed Minority Education Authority, valid for three academic years. Institutions must also affiliate with the Uttarakhand Education Board and apply online through a government portal with required documents and fees.
Applications will be reviewed based on minority status, land ownership, financial records, staff qualifications, and commitment to maintaining social harmony. The government warned that institutions violating the rules could face cancellation of recognition. The new Minority Education Authority will oversee institutions belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities. Chief Minister Dhami stated the new system would ensure transparency and quality in minority education institutions, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting educational rights.