By Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Sep: Administrative action against madrasas failing to comply with prescribed recognition and academic standards continues across Uttarakhand, with 17 institutions sealed and three managements voluntarily submitting written notices of closure. In total, 200 unrecognised madrasas have ceased operations, while government pressure has led to the closure of 107 madrasas, the highest number being 102 in Haridwar district. Over 100 madrasas have now applied for recognition.
According to the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority, Haridwar district had 269 operational madrasas, of which 102 have shut down at present, while 76 have applied for recognition. In addition, 45 are registered with the Education Department and 46 remain under inspection. In Udham Singh Nagar district, five of 119 madrasas have closed operations so far, while in Nainital, 12 of 18 have applied for recognition. Pithoragarh has one madrasa and Champawat, two. So far, 35 madrasas have received recognition from the Authority in the state.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that no educational institution in the state be allowed to function without recognition and adherence to rules. He emphasised that, under the new system, minority institutions must ensure modern and quality education, with no compromise on children’s future. Action against violators will continue as per regulations.
It may also be reminded here that the Madrasa Board was dissolved on 30 June 2026 and was replaced by the Minority Education Authority from 1 July. The madrasas are now required to obtain affiliation from the Education Department before seeking recognition from the Authority. More than 100 institutions have since applied online for affiliation, and 35 have already been granted recognition. Those failing to apply are being shut down by district administrations and minority officers.
Special Secretary, Minority Welfare Department, Parag Madhukar Dhakate, made it clear that the children from closed madrasas are being shifted to nearby schools or registered madrasas to ensure their education is not disrupted. He confirmed that 35 madrasas have been recognised and over 100 applications are under process, which will allow students to continue their studies in compliant institutions. The new framework applies to all the six minority communities in the state, ensuring their educational institutions meet required standards. Over 200 madrasas that did not apply for recognition have already been closed.
