Full Breakdown
Uttarakhand Shifts Madrasas’ Weekly Holiday from Friday to Sunday
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Policy Change
Uttarakhand’s government has directed state-recognized madrasas to observe Sunday as their weekly holiday instead of Friday. The directive applies to institutions affiliated with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education and recognized by the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education (USAME).
Background & Context
The change follows the abolition of the statutory Madrasa Education Board, which previously regulated 452 registered madrasas. In August 2025, the state assembly passed the Uttarakhand Minority Education Act, creating USAME to oversee schools run by six notified minority communities. A similar shift was implemented in Assam in December 2016.
Data & Statistics
- Institutions affected: 206 madrasas
- Recognition status: 76 recognized; 114 applications pending
- Student reach: Over 30,000 children
- Geographic distribution: 44 in Haridwar, 24 in Udham Singh Nagar, six in Dehradun, two in Nainital
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami framed the policy as part of a “uniform system” for all educational institutions. Secretary of Minority Welfare Parag Madhukar Dhakate said madrasas are now “affiliated with the Education Department” and must follow its syllabus and regulations. USAME chairperson Dr Surjeet Singh Gandhi reiterated that all recognized institutions must adhere to the Education Department’s rules, including the holiday schedule. Director of elementary education Kunwar Singh Rawat warned that non-compliance would trigger legal action.
Criticism & Opposition
The All Assam Madrassa Teachers and Employees’ Association objected, citing the longstanding Friday holiday and constitutional rights under Articles 29 and 30. Khurshid Ahmed, state secretary of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, warned the reforms could infringe on the community’s right to manage educational institutions and hinted at a legal challenge. The opposition Congress party accused the BJP-led government of “politics of polarisation and communalism” ahead of elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have already introduced a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. There should be a uniform system for everyone. All educational institutions should operate in the same direction, and we are working towards that goal,” — Pushkar Singh Dhami
- “Madrasas are affiliated with the Education Department, and they have received approval from there. The Education Department’s syllabus and system are being applied to all madrasas,” — Parag Madhukar Dhakate
- “All recognised institutions must follow the rules laid down by the Education Department and the authority, including the weekly holiday schedule,” — Dr Surjeet Singh Gandhi
What’s Next
State officials expect pending recognition applications to be processed by the end of the month, after which all recognized madrasas will operate under the Sunday-holiday schedule.