Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday handed recognition certificates to 26 madrasas that have adopted the curriculum prescribed under the state government’s new education framework.
With the latest batch of institutions, the total number of madrasas recognised under the new system has reached 33.
The certificates were presented during a programme in Dehradun focused on the recognition of minority educational institutions. Since the event was organised by the government, the national anthem and the full version of Vande Mataram were played. Madrasa representatives present at the ceremony stood up and participated in the singing.
Dhami Says Science And Technology Must Be Part Of Madrasa Education
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami stressed the need to introduce modern subjects in madrasa education, particularly science and technology.
He said students must be equipped with knowledge that can help them compete in a rapidly changing world and warned that those without exposure to modern education could be left behind.
Dhami also rejected allegations that his government was targeting the Muslim community. He said government action was directed at violations of the law rather than at any particular community.
“The government takes action against those who engage in illegal activities, not against those who follow the law,” he said.
The Chief Minister accused some opposition parties of spreading misinformation and attempting to portray the state government as anti-Muslim.
New System Makes Madrasa Registration Mandatory
The Uttarakhand government scrapped the state Madrasa Education Board on July 1 and created the Minority Education Authority in its place.
Under the new framework, madrasas operating in Uttarakhand are required to register with the authority. The new academic structure also incorporates the NCERT-based curriculum, with Science, Mathematics, Social Science and English among the subjects being made compulsory.
The government has set September 30 as the deadline for madrasa registration.
Before the Madrasa Board was dissolved, 452 madrasas were registered under the previous system. However, only 33 institutions have received recognition under the new framework so far.
CM Dhami: Education Should Prepare Children For Their Careers
Dhami said educational opportunities should not depend on a child’s social or religious background. He stressed that students should receive education that helps them develop their skills, personality and career prospects.
“All children, regardless of which section or background they belong to, should receive good education, modern education, and the kind of education that builds their career, develops their personality, and enables them to work for the nation and contribute to building the nation. A historic beginning towards this has taken place here in Uttarakhand today,” he said.
Calling the recognition of the 26 madrasas an important step, Dhami said the move would help create a more organised educational system for minority institutions.
“The recognition certificates have been granted here to 26 madrasas that are operational across different areas. This is a new beginning toward establishing a structured system. Those who have come forward to establish this system are certainly worthy of congratulations. The government will provide full cooperation to all of them. The authority established for minority education will continue to drive reforms and innovations in these departments,” he said.
Madrasa Operators Welcome Recognition
Several madrasa operators who received certificates at the ceremony welcomed the government’s decision.
They said adding modern subjects would give students better educational opportunities and help them prepare for their future.
“If children receive a good education, their future will be better; what’s wrong with that?” the operators said.
They also said students were now getting access to educational opportunities and government facilities on an equal basis.
“Everyone is receiving equal education and benefiting from government facilities. Those who oppose this have their own personal issues,” they added.
Resistance To New Madrasa Framework Continues
Despite the recognition granted to 33 institutions, the new system continues to face opposition from several madrasa operators.
Critics of the policy argue that the primary purpose of madrasas is religious education and have raised concerns that compulsory changes to the syllabus could alter their traditional role.
The Uttarakhand government’s position, however, is that bringing modern academic subjects into madrasa education will give students wider opportunities and help integrate them into the broader education system.
With the September 30 registration deadline approaching, more madrasas will now have to decide whether to adopt the new framework and seek recognition under the Minority Education Authority.
