By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday launched the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority, marking the implementation of a new framework for minority education in the state from July 1.
The new authority replaces the existing Madrasa Board.
At a programme held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun, Dhami distributed certificates to minority educational institutions and presented NCERT textbooks to students. He said the initiative aims to ensure quality, modern and value-based education for children from all notified minority communities.
The Chief Minister said the new authority has been established to provide equal educational opportunities to all minority groups and clarified that it is not intended to affect the identity or traditions of any community. Instead, he said, the objective is to equip students with modern knowledge in science, mathematics, computer education, skill development and emerging technologies while preserving their cultural roots.
Describing education as the foundation of a strong and self-reliant society, Dhami said the authority would go beyond granting recognition to institutions and focus on improving educational standards, teacher training, transparency and the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He said the state government is promoting digital education, smart classrooms, skill development and startup-oriented learning to prepare young people for future challenges driven by artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technologies.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, the Chief Minister said the Minority Education Authority would bring positive change to the lives of thousands of students and help establish Uttarakhand as a leading state in inclusive and quality education. He also appealed to religious leaders, educationists and educational institutions to extend their support in making the initiative a success.