Full Breakdown
West Bengal Orders Closure of 252 Unregistered Madrasas, Issues Show-Cause Notices to ? 100
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Survey Findings and Immediate Action
The Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department of West Bengal served closure notices to 252 madrasas that were found to lack minimum infrastructure and required approvals. Around 100 additional madrasas received show-cause notices, obliging them to explain the deficiencies; the department said unsatisfactory replies will lead to further action. The measures follow a state-wide field verification that began in early June and examined registration status, management, student enrolment, teaching staff, infrastructure and sources of funding.
Background and Regulatory Context
Madrasas in West Bengal fall under two broad categories. Khariji madrasas are independent Islamic schools that operate without government funding, formal recognition or regulatory control, relying on public donations and charitable trusts. The survey targeted these institutions to identify those functioning without lawful authority and to ensure compliance with the state’s regulatory framework. Officials noted that many of the unregistered madrasas deviated from the standard state school syllabus and, in some cases, were alleged to impart “anti-India” education.
Data and Statistics
- Registered/affiliated madrasas: 2,132
- Unregistered/unauthorised madrasas: 2,396
- Districts with the highest closures:
- Malda – ? 44-45 madrasas
- North Dinajpur – ? 37 madrasas
- South 24 Parganas – ? 32 madrasas
- Murshidabad – ? 25 madrasas
- Nadia – ? 25 madrasas
The infrastructural lacunae cited include lack of classroom space, insufficient numbers of students or teachers, and stark deviation from the state school syllabus or administrative rules.
Official Statements & Responses
- Kshudiram Tudu, Minister-in-charge of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education, said that madrasas possessing the requisite approvals will continue to operate, while those without will face closure or further action after their responses are examined.
- Dilip Ghosh, State Panchayati Raj Minister, claimed that several madrasas had teachers linked to extremist activities, reinforcing the need for strict regulatory oversight.
- The department announced that dedicated inspection teams have been deployed for re-verification of the reports submitted by district magistrates to confirm the accuracy of the field data.
Criticism & Opposition
- Opposition voices have questioned whether the survey adequately distinguished between legitimate religious instruction and alleged extremist content, calling for transparent criteria in future assessments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The 252 madrasas that have been served closure notices are devoid of minimum infrastructure. The 100-odd that have been issued show-cause will have to respond and and if their replies are found to be unsatisfactory, we will take action against them too. We want madrasa students to pursue modern, mainstream education and shine in life just like students from other schools,” — Kshudiram Tudu, madrasah education minister
- “The 252 madrasas that have been served closure notices are devoid of minimum infrastructure. The 100-odd that have been issued show-cause notices will have to respond and and if their replies are found to be unsatisfactory, we will take action against them too. We want students studying in madrasas to pursue modern, mainstream education and shine in life just like students from other schools,” — Kshudiram Tudu, madrasah education minister
What’s Next
The department will review the responses to the show-cause notices before deciding on further action. Officials indicated that any madrasas found to comply with registration requirements and infrastructure standards will be allowed to continue operating.