Uttarakhand Establishes New Authority to Oversee Minority Education After Madrasa Board Abolition
In a significant move for educational reform, the Uttarakhand government has constituted the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education (USAME), comprising 12 distinguished members. This body will now be responsible for determining the syllabus for all minority institutions across the state, marking a pivotal shift following the abolition of the Madrasa Board.
Composition and Mandate of USAME
The newly formed authority includes educationists from diverse minority communities, ensuring broad representation. Members hail from various academic disciplines, such as Economics, Psychology, Law, and English, with notable appointments including:
- Dr Surjit Singh Gandhi, a professor of Economics at BSM PG College in Roorkee, who has been appointed as the chairperson.
- Prof Rakesh Jain, a Psychology professor at Gurukul Kangri Deemed to be University in Haridwar, with 35 years of academic experience.
- Dr Syed Ali Hamid, a retired English professor from Kumaun University, recognized for his literary translations.
- Other members include Prof Pema Tenzin from Chamoli, Dr Elba Mandrelle from Bageshwar, Prof Robina Aman from Almora, and Prof Gurmeet Singh from Moradabad, along with social workers and government directors.
According to Minority Welfare Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate, USAME will bring all minority institutions under its umbrella starting July 2026, setting a unified academic curriculum. This initiative is part of the Minority Education Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Madrasa Board system.
Background and Implications of the Change
The establishment of USAME comes in the wake of a crackdown on hundreds of illegal madrasas in Uttarakhand. The Act abolishes the Madrasa Board, which previously had 13 members, nine of whom were Muslims or from Muslim institutions. Now, USAME will oversee not only madrasas but also educational institutions run by Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
Under the new framework, minority institutions can teach additional subjects specific to their religion, provided they conform to the standards, quality, and content laid down by the Authority. This ensures a balance between religious education and mainstream academic requirements as prescribed by the Board of School Education.
Expertise and Experience of Key Members
The authority boasts members with extensive academic and professional backgrounds:
- Dr Surjit Singh Gandhi has been an Associate Professor in Economics since 2008 and is affiliated with HNB Central University.
- Prof Rakesh Jain holds a PhD in Psychology, has published 84 papers, and served as a nodal officer for implementing the National Education Policy.
- Dr Syed Ali Hamid is an award-winning translator, honored by the UP Urdu Academy for his work on Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea.
- Dr Robina Aman brings 30 years of teaching experience in Chemistry, with two books and 17 research papers to her credit.
- Prof Gurmeet Singh has taught Law for 25 years, adding legal expertise to the panel.
Transition and Future Steps
With the repeal of the Madrasa Board, madrasas recognized under previous acts, such as the Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, will need to be re-recognized for the 2025-26 academic session. This transition aims to streamline minority education under a single, comprehensive authority, enhancing quality and inclusivity across Uttarakhand's educational landscape.
