KOLKATA — In a significant move that has ignited both support and criticism, the West Bengal government has issued closure notices to 252 unaided and unrecognized madrasas across the state. Another hundred Islamic educational institutions received show-cause notices and could face shutdown if they fail to address queries about irregularities.

Key facts

  • 252 madrasas issued closure notices
  • 100 more received show-cause notices
  • Survey covered 22 districts plus Kolkata
  • Highest concentrations in Malda (44) and Uttar Dinajpur (37)

The Survey Behind the Decision

A special team conducted thorough inspections through district administrations, examining teacher qualifications, student records, infrastructure, and funding sources. The findings revealed concerning gaps in many institutions operating outside the formal education system.

"A survey was conducted through district administration across 22 districts and in Kolkata. Details of teachers, students, infrastructure and funds available was inspected by a special team on the basis of which 252 madrasahs have been closed in the first phase," said Kshudiram Tudu, Minister for Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education.

Political Reactions Divide Along Party Lines

BJP leaders quickly applauded the decision. State party president Samik Bhattacharya welcomed what he called a necessary step toward educational uniformity, recalling that former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had once raised concerns about extremism in some madrasas before retracting under political pressure.

"India is a secular country. In this country, there is no discrimination among people based on religion. Therefore, it is extremely essential to ensure equal opportunities, equal rights, and a uniform standard of the education system for every child in the country," the BJP leader posted on social media.

But Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh pushed back sharply against the BJP's characterization. The Mamata Banerjee loyalist argued that targeting madrasas specifically was unfair when other traditional education systems like Sanskrit Tols continue operating without similar scrutiny.

Historical Context and Future Direction

Madrasah education in Bengal dates back nearly 250 years, beginning with the Calcutta Madrasah established by the British East India Company in 1780. While thousands of state-aided madrasas continue under the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education, the unrecognized Khariji madrasas have operated independently without government funding or oversight.

The closures align with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's recently announced 'One State, One Education' policy, which has already seen Aliah University moved from the Madrasah Education Ministry to the Higher Education Ministry. The government appears determined to bring all educational institutions under a unified regulatory framework.