Kolkata — The West Bengal government has issued closure notices to 252 unaided and unrecognised madrasas after a statewide survey conducted by district administrations across 22 districts and Kolkata, officials said 【F1】.
Minister for Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Kshudiram Tudu explained that a special team inspected details of teachers, students, infrastructure and funds, and used that information to decide which institutions would be shut in the first phase 【F4】.
In addition to the closure notices, about 100 similar madrasas have been served with show‑cause notices and could face closure if they fail to explain the alleged irregularities 【F2】.
The distribution of the 252 madrasas slated for closure includes 44 in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad 【F6】.
State officials estimate that more than 2,000 unaided and unrecognised madrasas—often called “Khariji Madrasas”—operate in West Bengal without government funding, formal recognition or regulatory oversight 【F5】【F7】. Hundreds of state‑aided and recognised madrasas, however, are administered by the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education 【F8】.
The madrasah education system in the state traces its roots to the Calcutta Madrasah founded in 1780 by the British East India Company, giving it a history of nearly 250 years 【F9】.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who earlier this month announced a “One State, One Education” policy for West Bengal, has moved Aliah University—previously under the Madrasah Education Ministry—under the Higher Education Ministry 【F10】【F11】.
Political reactions have varied. A BJP leader posted on social media that India’s secular character demands equal opportunities and a uniform education standard for every child 【F13】【F14】【F15】. Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh rejected claims that madrasas foster extremism, noting that the BJP’s narrative is incorrect and pointing out the state’s tradition of Sanskrit “Tols” for education 【F16】【F17】. Former minister Ashok Bhattacharya recalled that ex‑Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had earlier alleged extremist elements were promoted through madrasas, but later retracted the statement under pressure from the Left Front 【F12】.
The closure notices mark the first major enforcement action under the new education policy, and officials say the affected madrasas will have a limited period to appeal the decision before final orders are issued.
Sources
– The Hindu, “West Bengal government issues closure notice to 252 unaided and unrecognised madrasas,” September 14 2026, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/west-bengal-governmentissues-closure-notice-to-252-unaided-and-unrecognised-madrasas/article71465404.ece
Source: The Hindu – National
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
