The BJP-led Uttarakhand government has decided to replace Friday with Sunday as the weekly holiday for madrasas recognised as schools under the state’s new minority education framework, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Wednesday.
The decision ends the traditional Friday holiday observed by many madrasas, where students and teachers have typically had the day off to attend congregational prayers. The move is part of the state government’s efforts to bring minority-run educational institutions under a common regulatory framework.
Speaking on Wednesday, Dhami said educational institutions should follow a uniform system across the state.
“We have already introduced a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. There should be a uniform system for everyone. All educational institutions should operate in the same direction, and we are working towards that goal,” Dhami said, according to The Indian Express.
The new rule will apply to madrasas recognised by the state Education Department, as well as those that have applied for recognition, ThePrint reported.
New Minority Education Framework
The decision follows the Uttarakhand government’s abolition of the statutory Madrasa Education Board in July and the introduction of a common regulatory authority for educational institutions run by notified minority communities.
The Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education was established under the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act, 2025, which came into force on July 1. The framework brings institutions serving Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis under a common regulatory system.
The government says the changes are intended to establish common academic and administrative standards and ensure that minority-run institutions meet the requirements applicable to recognised schools.
Madrasas traditionally observe Friday as their weekly holiday because Muslims gather for congregational prayers on the day. Replacing it with Sunday has therefore raised questions about how the new schedule will affect students and teachers seeking to attend prayers.
Congress Accuses BJP of Polarisation
The Congress has criticised the decision, accusing the BJP government of raising issues concerning minority institutions for political reasons ahead of the Uttarakhand Assembly elections, expected in February or March 2027.
Congress spokesperson Pratima Singh questioned why the government repeatedly focused on madrasas, mosques and other religious institutions as elections approached.
“Why is it that whenever elections approach, the BJP suddenly starts focusing on polarisation, communalism, namaz, madrassas and mazars?” Singh asked.
She also questioned the government’s priorities, asking why it was not concentrating on improving the state’s education system.
The BJP government has defended the policy as part of its broader push for uniformity in educational administration.
Part of Wider Push for Uniformity
Dhami’s remarks also linked the madrasa holiday decision to Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, which establishes common rules governing matters such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption.
The BJP has long supported a Uniform Civil Code, and several states governed by the party have taken steps towards introducing one. In September, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said BJP and National Democratic Alliance governments in 21 states would introduce the code before 2029.
The madrasa holiday decision, however, concerns the regulation of educational institutions rather than personal laws. It has brought the government’s push for a common administrative system into debate over the religious practices and autonomy of minority-run schools.
