For the first time in Uttarakhand, a Minority Education Authority will be established to regulate and recognize minority educational institutions. The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved the introduction of the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Act Amendment Bill 2025 in the upcoming monsoon session of the Assembly at Gairsain.
The proposed authority will provide recognition to institutions run by Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi communities. Until now, only Muslim institutions were recognized under this category. The initiative is aimed at ensuring quality education, protecting institutional rights, and creating a transparent recognition system.
Key Features of the Bill
The authority will be responsible for granting recognition to minority institutions, provided they are registered under the Society Act, Trust Act, or Company Act. The institutions must maintain transparency in finances, ensure ownership of assets, and comply with the state education board’s standards. Recognition may be withdrawn in case of irregularities or activities against social harmony.
With this amendment, Gurumukhi and Pali languages will also be introduced as study options in minority institutions. Additionally, the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act 2016 and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules 2019 will be repealed from July 1, 2026.
Protection of Minority Rights
The legislation ensures that the establishment and functioning of minority institutions remain independent, while simultaneously upholding the quality of education. This balance aims to strengthen both the constitutional rights of minority communities and the overall educational framework in Uttarakhand.
UCC Amendment: Marriage Registration Extended
The cabinet has also approved the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand (Amendment) Bill. The period for marriage registration has been extended from six months to one year. Other provisions include appointing an Additional Secretary-level officer in place of a Secretary as Registrar General and aligning the Act with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) along with CrPC provisions.
Repeal of Witness Protection Act and Other Bills
The cabinet approved the introduction of the Uttarakhand Witness Protection (Repeal) Bill 2025, aligning the state law with Section 398 of the Indian Code of Justice, which came into force nationwide in July 2023.
A bill has also been approved to provide statutory facilities to democracy fighters (Loktantra Senanis) who went to jail during the Emergency. Currently, they receive benefits through government orders, including honorarium, pension, and transport assistance. The new law will institutionalize these benefits, including a monthly pension of Rs. 20,000.
Developmental and Administrative Impact
These legislative measures reflect Uttarakhand’s commitment to transparent governance, protection of minority rights, modernization of laws, and recognition of the contribution of democracy fighters. The reforms also align state laws with national legal frameworks while ensuring inclusivity and accountability in education and administration.
