In a major policy shift aimed at modernizing religious education, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued a stern directive to all madrasas across the state. The CM announced that following the Uttarakhand Board curriculum is now mandatory for these institutions. Failure to comply with these new educational standards will result in the immediate cancellation of their registration and permanent closure.Modern Education Alongside Religious StudiesChief Minister Dhami emphasized that the government’s intent is to empower students in madrasas by providing them with a mainstream education. By integrating subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies into the madrasa system, the state aims to bring these students into the professional fold. "Our children deserve to have a pen in one hand and a computer in the other, along with their traditional learning," the CM remarked during a recent administrative briefing.Mandatory Registration and Strict InspectionsThe Uttarakhand government has initiated a rigorous verification process for all madrasas.Curriculum Compliance: Madrasas must adopt the NCERT-based Uttarakhand Board syllabus.Physical Verification: District authorities have been instructed to conduct on-ground inspections to check infrastructure and attendance.Illegal Institutions: Unrecognized madrasas operating without government approval have been given a final window to register and align with state norms or face demolition/legal action.The "Uniformity" Push in UttarakhandThis move is being seen as an extension of the Dhami government’s push for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and broader administrative reforms. The administration argues that a standardized curriculum is essential to prevent the "isolation" of students and to ensure they are eligible for government jobs and higher education opportunities on par with students from other private and public schools.Mixed Reactions from Religious BodiesWhile the government maintains that this is an "educational reform," some religious organizations and minority leaders have expressed concerns. They argue that while they are not against modern subjects, the "threat of closure" creates an atmosphere of fear. However, the state government remains firm, stating that no institution religious or otherwise can bypass the educational laws of the land.
Around the web
