UP madrassa reform panel seeks 3-month extension, raising concerns over delay and representation

LUCKNOW: The implementation of the Uttar Pradesh government's ambitious project aimed at reforming and modernising madrassa education may face further delay, as the committee entrusted with drafting recommendations has sought a three-month extension of its tenure. "The committee, constituted on May 30 this year to propose reforms in madrassa education, has been unable to submit its report within the one-month deadline due to the extensive nature of the task," Registrar of the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Board, R P Singh, told PTI on Sunday. Singh said the committee was initially directed to submit its report by June 30. However, the assignment requires detailed deliberations on several aspects, including proposed amendments to the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act and relevant regulations.

Accordingly, a request has been made to extend the panel's term by at least three months. The six-member committee, headed by the Director of the Minority Welfare Department, includes Special Secretaries from the Minority Welfare and Waqf Department, Basic Education Department, Secondary Education Department, Finance Department, and Law Department. Based on its recommendations, the government plans to amend the Uttar Pradesh Madrassa Education Act, 2004, and the Uttar Pradesh Non-Governmental Arabic and Persian Madrassa Recognition, Administration and Service Regulations, 2016.

The committee is also tasked with suggesting revisions to subjects and curricula for classes 9 to 12 in madrassas. Further recommendations are expected to cover rationalisation of the teacher-student ratio, formulation of recruitment and transfer policies for teachers, alignment of qualifications with subject requirements, provision of training and bridge courses in modern subjects, redefinition of madrassa recognition norms, and structural reforms to enhance functioning and improve future prospects for students. Minister of State for Minority Welfare Danish Azad Ansari told PTI that the primary objective of forming the committee is to align madrassa education with the needs of a rapidly evolving world and equip Muslim children accordingly. "The committee's recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the future framework for madrassas," he said. However, concerns have been raised over the composition of the committee.

Maulana Kaab Rashidi, Legal Advisor to Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (AM), flagged the absence of representatives from madrassas, questioning how core issues would be addressed without input from the community directly involved. Rashidi also challenged the notion that madrassas solely offer religious instruction, noting that many already provide modern education and have produced students who have qualified for prestigious institutions such as the IITs. Diwan Sahab Zaman Khan, General Secretary of the Teachers Association Madaris Arabia Uttar Pradesh, expressed hope that the reforms would not interfere with religious teachings. He also cautioned against overburdening students with additional subjects and highlighted the absence of madrassa education experts in the committee, given the magnitude of its mandate. Khan further stated that even six months may prove insufficient for the committee to complete its work.

He also raised concerns over the government's inaction following the Supreme Court's declaration of Kamil and Fazil degrees as invalid, which has left pathways for higher education uncertain for madrassa students.

Since 2017, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has initiated several steps to modernise and regulate madrassa education, including launching a dedicated portal for registration and conducting a comprehensive survey of all madrassas.

The formation of this committee marks the latest move in that direction. According to official data, there are around 25,000 madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, of which approximately 13,000 are recognised by the state's Madrassa Education Board. Out of these, only 561 receive government aid, while the remainder operate without formal recognition.