The BJP-led government of Pushkar Singh Dhami has intensified its scrutiny of madrassas in Uttarakhand, with authorities freezing funds for 23 madrassas in Haridwar district after alleged irregularities were found during an investigation.
The action comes shortly after the state government decided to dissolve the Uttarakhand Madrassa Board and replace it with a new Minority Education Authority Board, a move that has sparked fresh political and social debate in the state.
Officials said the crackdown is part of a wider effort to ensure “transparency, accountability and proper regulation” in minority educational institutions.
Funds Frozen After Probe Into Madrassas
According to Haridwar district officials, an investigation was carried out into 131 madrassas linked to a government nutrition scheme for children. During the probe, authorities allegedly found several irregularities related to records, attendance and operational procedures.
District Education Officer Amit Nand said that 121 madrassa operators attended a review meeting called by the administration, while 10 institutions reportedly asked to shut down the nutrition scheme on the same day, raising suspicion among officials.
A special review team was later formed to monitor the institutions. Madrassas were instructed to upload daily information and photographs related to meals served to children. Officials claimed that four madrassas failed to provide any updates, while three institutions did not maintain annual records properly.
Authorities also alleged that six madrassas showed inflated student numbers in official records.
Following the preliminary findings, the administration froze March and April funds for 23 madrassas. The remaining 108 institutions continue to receive benefits under the scheme.
Fresh Rules for Recognition of Madrassas
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dhami, has also approved the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Recognition Rules, 2026.
Under the new rules, all madrassas and minority educational institutions will be required to obtain recognition from the newly formed Minority Education Authority. The recognition will remain valid for three academic years.
Institutions will also need affiliation with the Uttarakhand Education Board and must apply online through a government portal with required documents and fees.
Officials said applications will be reviewed on the basis of minority status, land ownership, financial records, staff qualifications and commitment to maintaining social harmony.
The government has warned that institutions violating the rules could face cancellation of recognition.
Government Says Aim Is Transparency
The new Minority Education Authority will oversee institutions belonging to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi communities.
Chief Minister Dhami said the new system would ensure transparency and quality in minority education institutions.
“Our government is committed to protecting the educational rights of every citizen in the state,” Dhami said. He added that replacing the Madrassa Board with the Minority Education Authority would improve accountability and institutional standards.
State minister Khajan Das described the move as a “historic reform” in the education sector.
Officials further stated that from July 1, 2026, only recognised madrassas will be allowed to operate in Uttarakhand. Unrecognised institutions may face stricter action in the future, including closure and legal proceedings.
