The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrassas across the state and issued show-cause notices to nearly 100 more institutions after a detailed survey found lapses in approvals and basic infrastructure, officials said.
The action follows a state-wide inspection carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department since early June. The survey assessed the approval status, infrastructure and management systems of both government and private madrassas.
As reported by PTI, minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Minister Kshudiram Tudu said that only madrassas operating with proper approvals will be allowed to continue functioning. Institutions found lacking compliance have been asked to explain their position, after which further action will be taken.
Survey Flags Approval and Infrastructure Gaps
According to officials, the exercise was initiated on the directions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to identify authorised and unauthorised madrassas across districts. The findings revealed that several institutions were operating without required permissions or adequate facilities.
As a result, 252 madrassas have been ordered to shut down, while around 100 others have been served show-cause notices. Authorities will review their responses before deciding on the next steps.
Government Stresses Regulation; Opposition Urges Balanced View
State Panchayati Raj Minister Dilip Ghosh said there have been repeated complaints regarding certain madrassas, including allegations linked to unlawful activities in some cases. He stated that institutions functioning legally will not be affected, but strict action will be taken against those violating norms, as per the reports from PTI.
At the same time, Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh cautioned against generalising all madrassas, stressing that not every institution should be viewed through the same lens.
The state government has reiterated that the move is aimed at ensuring proper regulation and maintaining standards in educational institutions, while allowing compliant madrassas to operate without disruption.
(with inputs from PTI)