The government order raises concerns among Muslim educational institutions about possible loss of status and benefits
SOLAPUR/NEW DELHI — The Maharashtra government has issued a new directive affecting minority educational institutions. The directive mandates all schools and colleges registered as minority institutions before 2017 must reapply online and obtain a digitally signed certificate to confirm their status.
The circular, released by the Minority Affairs Department, explains that institutions which had previously secured minority recognition must now submit fresh applications via the ‘Apply Sarkar’ website. Officials have clarified that this process is compulsory for all schools with pre-2017 registration, and failure to comply within six months from 11 August this year will result in the loss of special privileges previously accorded to minority institutions.
A senior official from the Minority Affairs Department said all minority schools registered before 2017 must apply for a new digital certificate to continue receiving benefits. Schools that fail to do so will no longer be recognised as minority institutions, he said.
For Muslim institutions, which form a significant portion of minority schools in the state, the announcement has sparked concern. Many school administrators are worried that technical challenges or delays in online registration could lead to disruptions in their operations.
One principal of a longstanding Muslim school in Solapur expressed her apprehension: “We have served our community for decades. This sudden requirement for re-registration feels like a threat to our existence as a minority institution. If there is any delay in processing online applications, our students and staff may face serious problems.”
The government order also emphasises that minority schools are exempt from many regulations applicable to general educational institutions. The Minority Affairs Department, which is now separate from the School Education and Sports Department, reportedly does not possess complete records of existing minority schools. This has led to the decision that all schools must submit updated applications to ensure accurate records.
Another administrator, requesting anonymity, said, ‘It seems unfair that institutions recognised for many years must now prove their status all over again. The community relies on these schools for education and cultural preservation. Losing minority recognition could affect our funding, promotions, and legal rights.”
The circular warns that any schools obtaining benefits after the deadline, or authorities providing facilities in violation of the rules, will be held responsible. The Education Department has also issued instructions reinforcing these requirements.
As per government communications dated 20 February and 27 May 2025, minority institutions recognised by the Minority Development Department, School Education and Sports Department, and Higher and Technical Education Department prior to the establishment of the current department must submit their digitally signed status certificates within six months. Failure to comply could result in the rejection of proposals for promotions, funding, and other benefits.
Educationists argue that the new requirement may disproportionately affect the Muslim minority institutions, many of which operate with limited administrative resources. An education rights activist in Solapur remarked, “This move, though administrative in appearance, could create real hardships for minority communities. It is crucial that the government provides assistance to help schools complete the process on time.”
The circular also implicitly indicates that without timely registration, minority institutions registered before 2017 will lose their recognised minority status. Experts warn that any delays, particularly those caused by online registration difficulties, could cause disruption in both academic and administrative matters for schools.
