Nearly four in 10 madrasas listed in Uttarakhand’s earlier records are no longer operating, while only 30 have received recognition from the state Education Department, according to official data.
The figures come amid changes to the state’s system for recognising madrasas and other minority educational institutions.
179 Madrasas Closed, 19 Sealed
According to departmental records, 452 madrasas were registered under the previous framework. Of these, 179 are now listed as closed, representing 39.60% of the total.
Another 19 madrasas have been sealed for alleged violations of prescribed regulations.
The data does not clarify whether all the closed and sealed institutions were part of the original list of 452 or whether some categories overlap.
New Recognition System Introduced
The Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority was established on February 3, 2026, replacing the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board as the body responsible for recognising minority educational institutions.
Following the change, the Education Department began processing applications under a separate recognition system during the transition.
So far, only 30 madrasas have received recognition from the Education Department, accounting for around 6.6% of the earlier total of 452.
Another 134 madrasas have applied for recognition, while 54 have not yet submitted applications.
Separately, the newly formed authority has granted recognition to 35 minority educational institutions. These include 33 madrasas and two other minority run institutions. Officials said these approvals are separate from the 30 recognitions issued by the Education Department.
Government Monitoring Institutions
The state government is also monitoring institutions operating outside the prescribed regulatory framework.
Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Special Secretary in the Minority Welfare Department, said applications were being examined as they were received.
“The process of granting recognition is on based on the applications received from minority educational institutions. Action to close down madrasas and other institutions found to be operating in violation of regulations is also being taken,” Dhakate said.
The authorities are now expected to assess whether the 134 madrasas that have applied for recognition meet the required standards.
