Uttarakhand Forms State Minority Education Authority

The Uttarakhand government has established the State Minority Education Authority to replace the Madrasa Board. This new body will oversee all minority educational institutions in the state, expanding recognition to include Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi communities. Surjit Singh Gandhi is appointed as chairman.

The Uttarakhand government has announced the creation of the State Minority Education Authority, a decision poised to replace the Madrasa Board, which is set to conclude its term in July. The special secretary to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Parag Madhukar Dhakate, released a notification detailing this development, citing approval from Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retd).

The authority consists of 12 members, all from minority communities, with Surjit Singh Gandhi as the appointed chairman. Other notable members include Rakesh Jain, Syed Ali Hamid, Pema Tenzin, Elba Madrile, Robina Aman, Gurmeet Singh, social worker Rajendra Bisht, and retired officer Chandrashekhar Bhatt, along with Directors General from relevant educational and welfare departments serving as ex officio members.

This move follows the passing of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill-2025, which was assented by the Governor last October. The new legislation intends to dissolve the Madrasa Board by July 2026 while establishing the authority to bring all minority educational institutions within its scope, granting minority status not only to Muslim institutions but also to Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi communities previously unrecognized.

(With inputs from agencies.)