Muslim leaders say the move is politically motivated and part of Hindutva agenda against minority rights
NEW DELHI — The Uttarakhand Assembly on Wednesday passed the Minority Educational Institutions Bill 2025, which will dissolve the existing Madrasa Board from 1 July 2026 and replace it with a new authority. The move has sparked strong protests from Muslim leaders and opposition parties who have described it as an attack on religious and educational rights.
The bill, presented in the House by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, was cleared amid loud uproar and walkouts from the opposition. In the heated session, MLA Trilok Singh Cheema proposed the removal of Section 14 (T) from the bill, which was accepted.
Under the new law, the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority will regulate all minority educational institutions, including 452 registered madrasas across the state. While the government says the new authority will provide “quality education, transparency and institutional rights,” Muslim leaders argue that this is yet another step by the state to weaken their cultural and religious institutions.
According to the bill, minority status will now be extended not only to Muslims but also to Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis. Any institution seeking recognition will be required to register under the Act and have property in its name.
Defending the legislation, BJP leaders insisted that the bill was aimed at “bringing transparency” and “ensuring equal benefits” to all minority communities. But critics reject this claim, pointing out that the real aim is to erase the special identity of madrasas.
Religious leaders from across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand condemned the decision.
Maulana Danish Qadri of Moradabad said: “When it comes to our institutions, the government interferes in the name of reforms. This double standard is not acceptable.”
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of All India Muslim Jamaat, was even sharper in his criticism: “The Uttarakhand government first forced the Uniform Civil Code bill, ignoring the opposition of Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Scheduled Tribes and others. Now they have dissolved the Madrasa Board and are preparing new laws on conversion. They are clearly pushing Hindutva ideas. Justice will only be served when every community is treated fairly.”
Opposition parties also raised objections inside the assembly. They accused the ruling party of targeting Muslim institutions under the cover of reforms. Some members shouted slogans against what they described as the government’s “anti-minority agenda.”
A Congress MLA speaking outside the House said: “This bill has been bulldozed through without proper debate. It is not about improving education; it is about silencing madrasas and sending a political message ahead of elections.”
Community members say the biggest fear is losing control over madrasas, which have historically been managed by Muslims for the purpose of religious and moral education alongside modern subjects.
A madrasa teacher from Haridwar said: “We already follow government norms. We teach Hindi, English and Science. Now they want to dissolve our board and put everything under a new authority. This is nothing but an attempt to take away our independence.”
Parents too voiced concern. A father of two children studying in a madrasa in Dehradun told Clarion India: “Our children get education and religious values here. If the government takes over, they will change the system completely. Tomorrow they may even ban teaching of the Qur’an.”
Analysts say the move to dissolve the Madrasa Board cannot be seen in isolation. It comes after the BJP government in Uttarakhand passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, despite strong opposition from minority groups. Plans are also underway to introduce stricter laws on religious conversion.
A political observer in Dehradun noted: “There is a pattern here. Every bill is linked to Hindutva ideology — whether it is UCC, ending the Madrasa Board or targeting conversions. Muslims are being cornered systematically.”
The dissolution of the Madrasa Board marks a major shift in Uttarakhand’s education policy, but for Muslims it is a direct assault on their faith and identity. With 452 madrasas set to come under state control, the community fears losing its voice in shaping the education of its children.
As Maulana Razvi summed it up: “These bills will not solve problems. They will only create more division. Real peace will come when justice is equal for everyone.”
