Kolkata: The government, which has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas in West Bengal, has also sent notices seeking explanations from another 100 madrasas.
Thousands of madrasas that teach Islamic religious education and general education are operating in the state of West Bengal. Allegations have arisen that most of them are functioning without proper permission.
Following this, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a statewide survey last June to determine the number of recognized and unrecognized madrasas across West Bengal.
Following that, a survey was conducted across the state by the Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education to examine madrasah administrative structures, student enrollment, financial sources, and registration status.
Regarding this, Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu said, “Based on the findings, orders were issued in the first phase to close 252 madrasas. In addition, notices seeking explanations have been issued to another 100 madrasas where serious irregularities were found. If these educational institutions fail to provide proof or proper recognition, action will be taken to shut them down. At present, 2,132 madrasas are operating in West Bengal with proper permission, while the number of unauthorized madrasas stands at 2,396.”
