The political landscape in Uttarakhand is heating up over the state’s newly introduced Minority Education Bill, 2025. On Wednesday, the Uttarakhand Congress launched a scathing attack, labeling the Bill “unconstitutional” and accusing the ruling BJP government of engaging in “religious polarization.” They assert that the legislation has no genuine intention to improve education for minority communities.
Suryakant Dhasmana, Vice President (Organisation) of the Uttarakhand Congress, firmly stated that the Bill flagrantly violates Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. He expressed confidence that if the Bill is challenged in court, the government would inevitably face defeat.
The ‘Madrasa’ Focus
Dhasmana specifically questioned the new requirement for all minority educational institutions to affiliate with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education. He pointed out that many schools operated by Sikh institutions and Christian missionaries in the state are already affiliated with national boards like CBSE, ICSE, or even international educational bodies. “The government’s true intention is not to uplift minority education,” he alleged, “but rather to instigate religious polarization by specifically targeting madrasas run exclusively by the Muslim community.”
In contrast, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Chairman of the Uttarakhand Madarsa Education Board, offered a different perspective. He lauded the Bill as “a very good step” by the government, believing it will significantly enhance the quality of education available to children within the Muslim community.
The Bill received passage in August during the Assembly’s Monsoon Session in Gairsain and secured the assent of Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh (retd.) on Monday. It is slated to become law once an official notification is issued.