Uttar Pradesh Madarsas Will No Longer Be Able To Offer Higher Education Degrees As Yogi Government Plans Amendment

The Uttar Pradesh government plans to amend the state's Madarsa Act, a month after the Supreme Court (SC) noted that regulating higher education through 'fazil' and 'kamil' degrees conflicts with the UGC Act.

With the amendment, the Act's scope will cover only institutions providing education up to Class 12. The proposed revisions aim to streamline the administration of madarsas under the state's regulatory framework.

In the 5 November order, the SC upheld the constitutional validity of the 'Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004', thereby setting aside the Allahabad High Court's judgment which had struck it down earlier.

However, the Court held that the Madarsa Act, to the extent it regulates higher education in relation to 'fazil' and 'kamil' degrees, is in conflict with the UGC Act and to that extent it was unconstitutional.

The change in the Madarsa Act would exclude higher-level religious education, including certifications such as Kamil and Fazil, which some madarsas currently offer, India Today reported.

A draft of the amendments is nearing completion and will soon be submitted for approval. Under the revised provisions, madarsas offering advanced religious degrees will no longer be governed by the Act.

The Act serves as the regulatory foundation for madarsa education in the state. It seeks to maintain educational standards by combining religious teachings with a secular curriculum.