Dehradun, 21 October (H.S.): Madrasas recognised as schools in Uttarakhand will now observe their weekly holiday on Sundays instead of Fridays. The state government has directed these institutions to comply with the prescribed regulations of the Education Department and the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority.

In a statement, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government was committed to ensuring equal opportunities and quality education for all children. He stated that madrasas recognised as schools would be required to follow the rules applicable to other educational institutions under the Education Department. Institutions failing to comply with the prescribed regulations would not be permitted to operate.

According to the state government, 76 institutions have so far received recognition as schools under the new system, while 114 applications are currently being processed.

Dr Surjeet Singh Gandhi, chairman of the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority, said the recognised institutions included 44 in Haridwar, 24 in Udham Singh Nagar, six in Dehradun and two in Nainital.

The government introduced the new framework for minority educational institutions following the abolition of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board. Previously, 452 madrasas had been recognised by the board. Under the revised system, institutions will be required to obtain recognition by meeting the prescribed educational standards.

Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate, secretary of the state’s Minority Welfare Department, said 250 unauthorised madrasas had been sealed during the first phase of the enforcement drive. According to him, these institutions were not registered with the Madrasa Board. Reports had also emerged that children from other states were being brought to these institutions for education.

The new framework is intended to bring recognised minority educational institutions under the applicable school education regulations, with the government emphasising compliance with prescribed standards and rules.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar