In a landmark move, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, aiming to extend minority status to educational institutions established by non-Muslim communities.
The bill is slated for introduction in the upcoming Legislative Assembly session beginning August 19.
So far, only Muslim-run institutions in the state had access to minority educational status. The proposed legislation seeks to bring parity by extending this recognition to institutions run by Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi communities.
After it is enacted, it will also allow the teaching of Gurmukhi and Pali in recognised minority institutions.
In a significant policy shift, the Cabinet also decided that the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, will be repealed effective July 1, 2026.
The Bill proposes the creation of a Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education, which will be responsible for granting and regulating minority educational status across the state.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Mandatory Recognition: All educational institutions established by Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities must seek recognition from the new Authority to qualify as minority institutions.
- Institutional Autonomy & Standards: While respecting the rights of minority communities to establish and manage their institutions, the Bill mandates adherence to academic standards laid down by the Uttarakhand Board of School Education.
- Eligibility Requirements: Institutions must be registered under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act. All assets, including land and financial accounts, must be in the institution’s name.
- Accountability Measures: The Authority will have powers to withdraw recognition in cases of financial irregularities, lack of transparency, or actions that threaten religious or social harmony.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular oversight will be carried out to ensure quality education, and that student assessments remain fair and unbiased.
Officials say this is the first legislation of its kind in the country, designed to establish a transparent and accountable mechanism for recognising minority educational institutions while upholding educational excellence and constitutional rights.