The West Bengal Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education (MAME) has issued notices for the closure of 252 madrasas allegedly operating without the required government approval, departmental sources said.
Show-cause notices have also reportedly been issued to around 100 other madrasas for allegedly violating prescribed rules and regulations.
Sources said many of the institutions facing action are Khariji madrasas, which function outside the state’s recognised madrasa education system.
Statewide Verification Conducted
The action follows a statewide verification exercise conducted on July 22 to examine the infrastructure, accreditation status, management systems and records of madrasas operating in West Bengal.
Officials reportedly found several institutions without the necessary approvals or basic facilities required for running educational institutions.
According to the department, around 2,396 madrasas across the state currently operate without government recognition. Following the verification of infrastructure, curriculum and student records, authorities decided to initiate action against institutions found to be functioning without the required approval.
District Magistrates Informed About Action
As part of the first phase of action, notices have been issued for the closure of 252 madrasas. The respective District Magistrates have also been informed about the decision, departmental sources said.
Minority Development Minister Khudiram Tudu said officials had completed field-level verification and collected documents from madrasas across all 22 districts, including Kolkata.
“Field-level verification has been carried out. Documents from all madrasas across 22 districts, including Kolkata, have been collected. Madrasas that possess valid approval will continue to operate,” Tudu said.
The verification process began after the state government directed officials to gather details of both recognised and unrecognised madrasas operating across West Bengal.
Government Says Recognised Madrasas Can Continue
Minister Dilip Ghosh said the government had received several complaints regarding the functioning of madrasas and that investigations were underway.
“Numerous complaints regarding madrasas have been received, and investigations are underway. Madrasas operating with government approval will certainly continue. However, the government will not permit the haphazard opening of madrasas that create a nuisance. That process has already begun,” Ghosh stated.
Officials said the current action is directed at institutions found to be operating without the required approval. Recognised madrasas will continue functioning under existing rules and regulations.
