Uttarakhand Passes Minority Educational Bill, Hardships For Madrasas

The Uttarakhand Assembly passed the Minority Educational Institutions Bill, creating a unified regulatory authority for all minority-run schools, replacing the Madrassa Board. The bill extends benefits beyond Muslim institutions to Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi, and Buddhist communities. Madrasas must meet new criteria by July 2026 or face closure. Opposition protested over intent and timing.