Uttarakhand Shifts Madrasa Holidays: Sunday Now Off, Friday Classes In
Uttarakhand government orders recognized madrasas to shift weekly holidays from Friday to Sunday to align with the state academic calendar.
In a significant move to standardize the academic structure across the state, the Uttarakhand government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has mandated that all madrasas recognized as schools must now observe Uttarakhand madrasa Sunday holiday rules. This directive effectively replaces the traditional Friday holiday with Sunday, bringing these institutions in line with the official academic calendar of the state Education Department.
A Push for Uniformity and Quality Education
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the decision is rooted in the government's commitment to providing equal opportunities and high-quality education to every child. The administration has made it clear that it is moving away from policies of appeasement, opting instead for a uniform education system that integrates all students into the mainstream.
This shift comes amidst a broader administrative overhaul. The Uttarakhand Madrasa Board has been dissolved, and the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority has been established to oversee educational institutions serving minority communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains, and Buddhists.
The Numbers: Recognition and Integration
The transition to a school-based framework is currently underway. Out of 452 previously registered madrasas, 76 have already been formally recognized as schools. The distribution of these recognized institutions is as follows:
- Haridwar: 44 institutions
- Udham Singh Nagar: 24 institutions
- Dehradun: 6 institutions
- Nainital: 2 institutions
Furthermore, 114 additional applications for recognition are being processed, with the government aiming to complete this process by the end of October 2026. Collectively, these 206 institutions cater to more than 30,000 children who are being integrated into the mainstream educational system.
New Academic Standards and Benefits
According to P. Madhukar Dhakate, Special Secretary of the Minority Welfare Department, and Dr. Surjeet Singh Gandhi, Chairman of the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority, recognized institutions must now adhere to strict national guidelines. Starting from the July 2026 academic session, these schools must implement:
- The National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
On a positive note, madrasas that achieve recognition are now eligible to participate in the PM Poshan Yojana, allowing their students to benefit from the mid-day meal scheme.
Strict Compliance and Penalties
While the government is offering a path to integration, it has also adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance. Institutions that fail to meet the prescribed standards will not be allowed to operate. Violators could face steep penalties of up to 5 lakh rupees.
The government's crackdown on unauthorized institutions is already evident. To date, 250 illegal madrasas have been sealed, and 227 of the original 452 registered entities have ceased their operations. Additionally, the state has announced that financial grants provided to these institutions will be discontinued starting from the 2027-28 financial year.