The schedule for weekly rest for madrasa students is planned to be changed in Uttarakhand. A decision has been made to cancel the Friday holiday in madrasas accredited by the Department of Education or those that have applied for accreditation. These educational institutions will now have a weekly day off on Sunday, similar to other schools.
This decision has sparked discussions in the state regarding the new education system and the functioning of madrasas.
The Minority Affairs Directorate of Uttarakhand sent a letter to the Department of Education demanding that necessary measures be taken. This change will affect a total of 206 madrasas that have been accredited or have applied for accreditation. According to the Minority Affairs Directorate, madrasas accredited by the Department of Education must adhere to established rules and the educational system.
Under this process, a weekly day off is now being established, similar to other schools.
The process of transforming the education system in Uttarakhand's madrasas was already underway. As of July 1, 2026, the madrasa administration was transferred to the Minority Affairs Directorate of Uttarakhand, which took responsibility for the accreditation and issues related to education in the state's Islamic institutions. The state government asserts that there must be a uniform education system.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also stated that a law has been passed in the state to ensure equal treatment for all.
The decision to cancel the Friday holiday also drew objections. Islamic experts and the Congress party expressed doubts about this step. Opponents argue that significant changes have already occurred within the madrasa system, and changing the day off will not bring substantial benefit. Meanwhile, Congress representative Pratima Singh accused the government of appeasement politics.