The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrassas across the state and issued show-cause notices to around 100 others following a state-wide survey that identified institutions allegedly operating without the required approvals and basic infrastructure, officials said on Sunday. The action has been taken after authorities reviewed the status and functioning of madrassas as part of an exercise to assess whether they met the necessary regulatory requirements.

The state government's decision affects a significant number of madrassas that were found during the survey to be lacking requisite permissions, according to officials. The survey was conducted across West Bengal to determine whether such institutions were operating in accordance with applicable rules and whether they had the basic facilities required for functioning. Institutions found to be deficient have now been categorised for further action, with some ordered to shut down and others being given an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised by the authorities.

Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department Minister Kshudiram Tudu said madrassas that possess the necessary approvals would be allowed to continue functioning. His clarification indicates that the government's action is focused on institutions that do not meet the prescribed requirements rather than being a blanket decision affecting all madrassas in the state. The minister's statement also underlines that institutions complying with the relevant regulations will not be affected by the closure orders.

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Around 100 madrassas have instead received show-cause notices, giving them an opportunity to explain their position before further action is taken. Such notices are generally issued when authorities identify shortcomings that require clarification or corrective measures. The affected institutions will therefore have to respond to the concerns raised by the government and establish whether they have the necessary permissions and facilities to continue operating.

The findings of the survey have brought renewed attention to the regulatory framework governing madrassas in West Bengal. While recognised and approved institutions are permitted to function under the state's system for madrasah education, authorities have also been examining whether institutions operating independently have the required approvals and infrastructure. The latest action follows that assessment and is aimed at identifying institutions that do not meet the conditions laid down by the government.

The government has not indicated that all 252 institutions will face the same long-term outcome beyond the closure orders announced following the survey. Meanwhile, the approximately 100 institutions served show-cause notices have an opportunity to respond to the authorities' findings. Tudu's statement that approved madrassas will continue to function is expected to distinguish the action against unapproved institutions from the broader network of recognised madrasas operating in West Bengal. The developments come as the state government continues its scrutiny of educational institutions to ensure compliance with required approvals and infrastructure norms.

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