The Uttarakhand Waqf Board has established the state’s first modern madrasa, which will provide general education following the NCERT curriculum. Sanskrit is being introduced as an optional subject alongside Arabic.

The institution was named the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Modern Madrasa and was developed at approximately ₹50 lakh. Classes are scheduled to begin with the upcoming academic session in March, according to Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams.

The madrasa stands out for its upgraded facilities in Dehradun’s Muslim Colony near the railway station. Shams stated that this one has been significantly modernised among the 10 madrasas in the vicinity with enhanced infrastructure, including well-furnished classrooms, computers, smart boards, and improved furniture.

He added that students from nearby madrasas will be relocated to this centralised facility to optimise resources and provide consolidated education.

The Waqf Board has ambitious plans to modernise eight to 10 more madrasas across the state by the end of the year. Smaller madrasas in surrounding areas will be merged into central facilities at strategically chosen sites, ensuring better access to quality education and infrastructure.

He expressed, “This will streamline the management, and the Waqf Board will be able to use the vacant properties to increase its income." 

During the morning sessions, students from these madrasas will follow the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) syllabus for general subjects. In the evenings, time will be dedicated to religious education, including studies of the Quran, teachings of Prophet Muhammad, or texts related to Bhagwan Ram, based on their individual preferences, according to Shadab Shams.

The chairman conveyed, "Our aim is to create a beautiful India where all children get equal education and equal opportunity to progress." He also said that the Waqf Board will provide students with free education, clothes and books in these modern madrasas.

For the first time, ex-army personnel will be recruited as physical education instructors to promote student fitness and foster patriotism, according to Shadab Shams. Additionally, teachers for Sanskrit will also be appointed.

Uttarakhand has 419 registered madrasas, of which the Waqf Board currently manages 117. Shams emphasised the goal of establishing fewer but high-quality madrasas, stating that the current number of madrasas in the state is "unnecessary."

He also acknowledged that some Muslim community members have opposed the modernisation initiative, suggesting the Waqf Board use the term "school" instead of “madrasas.”

Discussions are ongoing with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to bring all madrasas under the management of the Waqf Board to ensure uniform functioning, Shams added.