Dehradun: The Uttarakhand cabinet on Thursday cleared the replacement of the Uttarakhand Madrassa Board with the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority, effective from July 1. This decision follows the Dhami government's earlier announcement this year. Under the new framework, recognition for 400 madrassas offering classes 1 to 8 will be granted at the district level, while 52 madrassas providing classes 9 to 12 will require approval from the Uttarakhand Board.
Uttarakhand Minority Education Act 2025
The Uttarakhand Minority Education Act 2025 was notified in October 2025 under the minority welfare department. This act provides for the recognition of educational institutions established by minority communities, promotes academic excellence, and addresses related matters. Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli stated, "The arrangement under the Act earlier included a provision for minority institutions operating from classes 1 to 12 to obtain affiliation from the Vidyalaya Shiksha Parishad, Ramnagar. Currently, there are 452 madrassas in the state, of which around 400 madrassas impart education only from classes 1 to 8."
District-Level Recognition for Lower Classes
Officials explained that at the request of these madrassas, the affiliation of minority institutions operating from classes 1 to 8 will now be determined by the district-level education committee or a government-designated competent authority. For minority institutions operating from classes 9 to 12, they must obtain affiliation from the Vidyalaya Shiksha Parishad, Ramnagar. The cabinet approved this arrangement, and the government will soon bring an ordinance to formalize the change.
Other Cabinet Decisions
Forest-Border Beekeeping Policy
The cabinet also approved a forest-border beekeeping policy aimed at boosting incomes and reducing human-elephant conflict. This policy will enhance livelihoods, promote self-employment, and explore beekeeping potential on forest boundaries. Since 70% of the state's land area is forest-covered, there is immense potential for beekeeping in these areas.
Revised Kumbh Work Sanctions
Sanctions for Kumbh-related works were revised: up to Rs 1 crore by the mela officer, up to Rs 5 crore by the Garhwal commissioner, and works beyond Rs 5 crore by the government.
Uniform Determination for Transport Department
A proposal for uniform determination for posts earlier created in the transport department was approved. The uniform for enforcement drivers will now align with that of drivers in the police department.
Legal Services Authority Amendments
Under the Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority (Amendment) Rules 2026, the District Sainik Kalyan Adhikari will be nominated as an ex-officio member of the District Legal Services Authority due to increasing cases related to soldiers. Additionally, acid attack victims will be included under free services provided by the legal services authority.
Minor Minerals Concession Rules
The cabinet amended the Uttarakhand Minor Minerals Concession Rules 2023, increasing the royalty rate on minerals from Rs 7 to Rs 8 per quintal.
VAT Rate for Excise Policy
A VAT rate of 6% was fixed under the previously passed excise policy, and the commercial tax department's proposal to amend rules to incorporate this rate was approved.
Bus Purchases
The cabinet permitted the transport department to purchase 250 buses. Earlier, permission was granted for 100 buses, but with GST rates reduced from 28% to 18%, the cabinet approved the purchase of 109 buses instead of 100.
Forest Service Rules Amendments
Amending the Uttarakhand Subordinate Forest Service Rules, 2016, the cabinet raised the educational qualification for the post of Van Daroga from intermediate to graduate level, set the age limit for Van Daroga at 21 to 35 years, and for Van Aarakshi at a minimum of 18 years to a maximum of 25 years.
Personnel Department Decisions
The cabinet approved that if a waiting list for a single cadre in various departments is received within one year, further action should be taken accordingly, and a clear SOP should be formulated for the future.
Sanskrit Education Service Rules
Permission was granted for the promulgation of the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Education Academic Cadre Service Rules, 2026.
Junior Engineer Posts for Differently-Abled
Under the Public Works Department, recruitment for 2,010 junior engineer posts in 2023 included seven reserved for differently-abled candidates. Since no candidates were found, these posts were filled from the general category. Following a High Court judgment, the cabinet permitted the creation of these seven posts with effect from 2023.
