The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas and issued show-cause notices to around 100 others following a state-wide survey that examined their approval status, infrastructure and management systems, officials said.
The survey was conducted by the state’s Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across districts from early June. Officials said several institutions were found to be operating without the required approvals and with inadequate basic infrastructure.
Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Minister Kshudiram Tudu said institutions that have the necessary approvals would be allowed to continue functioning.
“As many as 252 madrassas have been ordered to close while 100 others have been sent show-cause notices for lacking requisite approvals and basic infrastructure,” Tudu said.
The approximately 100 institutions served show-cause notices will be given an opportunity to respond. Officials said further action would be taken after their replies are examined.
According to reports, the survey followed directions to determine the number of authorised and unauthorised madrasas operating across the state. The exercise covered issues including infrastructure, registration and management arrangements.
The move has also triggered a political debate. State Panchayati Raj Minister Dilip Ghosh said complaints regarding some madrasas had been received in the past and alleged that there had been instances of people accused of extremist activities being associated with such institutions. He stressed that madrasas functioning legally and with government permission would continue.
“Madrassas being run in accordance with the law and with government permission will continue to function,” Ghosh said, while adding that the government would not allow institutions to operate “indiscriminately”.
Opposition Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh, however, cautioned against treating all madrasas alike and argued that the institutions should not be viewed through a single lens.
The West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education distinguishes between recognised madrasas and privately run Muktab or Khariji madrasas, which are established and maintained by individuals, communities or organisations.
