The Uttar Pradesh government is all set to amend the state's Madarsa Act, after a crucial observation by the Supreme Court. The Court had recently pointed out that regulating higher education through traditional Islamic degrees like 'Fazil' and 'Kamil' conflicts with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act.
This move comes as the state seeks to bring madrasa education on par with national standards, ensuring better integration with mainstream educational frameworks. The proposed amendments aim to address these concerns while modernizing and regulating madrasa education in the state.
In its November 5 ruling, the Supreme Court confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 is constitutional, reversing an earlier decision by the Allahabad High Court that had declared it invalid.
However, the Court also said that the part of the Act that deals with higher education through 'Fazil' and 'Kamil' degrees conflicts with the UGC Act, making that part of the law unconstitutional.
This amendment in the Madarsa Act will remove the higher-level religious education like certifications such as Kamil and Fazil, which some madrasas currently offer.
A draft of the proposed amendments to the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act is nearly complete and will soon be submitted for approval. According to the revised provisions, madrasas that offer advanced religious degrees will no longer be governed by the Act.
The Act regulates madrasas in Uttar Pradesh, making sure they teach both religious subjects and general school subjects like math and science. This helps students get a well-rounded education.
What is UP Madarsa Act
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 regulates madrasa education in the state. Its main goals are to ensure madrasas follow set educational standards, combine religious education with general subjects, and provide guidelines for establishing, recognizing, and running madrasas.
The Act also created the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education to oversee and regulate madrasa education and conduct exams for students.