Latest news with #USMEA
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bills on minority edu, religious conversion & UCC tabled in House
Gairsain: The state govt on Tuesday introduced eight bills on the first day of the monsoon session, including the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, and the Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Minority Educational Institutions Bill replaces the Uttarakhand Madrassa Board with the newly formed Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority (USMEA), which will oversee recognition and standards for minority institutions. The legislation will also replace the Uttarakhand Madrassa Education Board Act, 2016, and the Uttarakhand Non-Governmental Arabic and Persian Madrassa Recognition Rules, 2019, which are to be repealed, effective July 1, 2026. All madrassas would be required to obtain affiliation from Uttarakhand Board of School Education (UBSE) and apply to USMEA for minority status effective July 1 next year. The bill also extends minority educational benefits beyond Muslim institutions to Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis. An 11-member authority representing all six minorities has been established as well. The body will be headed by a person having at least 15 years' experience in teaching. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Europe Travel Hack That Saves You Hundreds on Trips! Learn More Undo Key provisions of the bill include mandatory registration under the Society, Trust or Company Acts, protection from interference and revocation of recognition for financial irregularities or activities "against religious and social harmony. " The authority will ensure education quality "as per standards set by UBSE." The Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill introduces harsher penalties for forced religious conversions, raising the maximum jail term from 10 years to 14 to 20 years, and in some cases, life imprisonment. The fine has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 lakh. The bill states, "Whoever receives funds from foreign or other entities concerning unlawful religious conversion shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than seven years… and a fine not less than Rs 10 lakh. " It further adds that those who use force, coercion, or trafficking in conversion cases "shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment… which may extend to life imprisonment." Additionally, the govt tabled the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to extend procedural timelines, clarify provisions on marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and succession and impose stricter penalties for offences such as "misrepresentation, concealment of serious criminal convictions, and obtaining consent through force or fraud." The amendments aim to "make the code more practical, equitable, and effective" to protect societal interests while streamlining legal processes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Uttarakhand to repeal madrassa Act, new law to cover all minority institutions
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami (File photo) DEHRADUN: In a significant move claimed to be the "first in the country", Uttarakhand cabinet on Sunday approved Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, set to be introduced in the legislative session starting Aug 19, paving way for educational institutions of Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis to get minority status benefits in the state. Previously, minority educational status under state law applied only to Muslim institutions. The legislation will replace Uttarakhand Madrassa Education Board Act, 2016, and Uttarakhand Non-Governmental Arabic and Persian Madrassa Recognition Rules, 2019 - which are to be now repealed, effective July 1, 2026. Key provisions of the new law include establishing Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority (USMEA), mandatory recognition for minority institutions, protection from interference and registration under the Society, Trust, or Company Acts. USMEA will oversee education quality and conduct assessments as per standards of Uttarakhand School Education Board, officials familiar with the matter said. Speaking on the issue, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "The Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill marks a significant and historic step in the field of education in Uttarakhand. Our govt has consistently worked towards protecting the constitutional rights of minority communities and providing equal opportunities in education. It will not only enhance transparency but also ensure the quality and excellence of education. Communities such as Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis will benefit from it. State govt's goal is to promote social harmony and inclusive development through education."
