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West Bengal Orders Closure of 252 Madrassas After Survey
The West Bengal government checked madrassas across the state.
It said some schools did not have the required permissions or basic facilities.
Because of this, 252 madrassas were ordered to close.
About 100 more were asked to explain themselves and show their approval documents.
They could also be closed if they cannot provide valid authorisation.
The survey started in early June and looked at how the schools were managed.
Government leaders said the action was needed because of complaints and alleged extremist activity linked to some institutions.
An opposition legislator said all madrassas should not be blamed for the alleged problems of a few.
West Bengal ordered 252 madrassas to close after a statewide review.
About 100 additional madrassas received show-cause notices over alleged approval or infrastructure deficiencies.
The survey began in early June and examined management, infrastructure, registration, funding and enrolment.
Officials said authorised madrassas with government permission may continue operating.
Government supporters cited alleged extremist activity, while Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh opposed treating all madrassas alike.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, led in the reports by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and the state Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department acted against the madrassas.
- What
- Authorities ordered 252 madrassas to close and sent show-cause notices to about 100 others.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including Kolkata and the state’s other districts.
- When
- The survey began in early June; the action was reported on September 13 and on a Sunday in the reports.
- Why
- Officials cited missing approvals and basic infrastructure; the survey also examined management, registration, funding and enrolment.
Government Justification
Opposition Concerns
Reason for closures
Government Justification
Government representatives said the affected madrassas lacked required approvals or basic infrastructure and that action was needed after complaints and alleged extremist or anti-national activity linked to some institutions.
Opposition Concerns
Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh said madrassas should not all be treated alike or subjected to broad terrorist-related accusations.
Treatment of madrassas
Government Justification
Government officials said madrassas operating legally with government permission would continue, while unauthorised institutions would not be allowed to operate indiscriminately.
Opposition Concerns
Kunal Ghosh argued that madrassas are an education system and should not be collectively associated with alleged extremist activity.
Key facts
- Madrassas ordered closed
- 252
- Show-cause notices
- About 100 madrassas
- Survey start
- Early June
- Survey coverage
- Kolkata and 22 other districts, according to one report
- Survey focus
- Infrastructure, approval status, management systems, enrolment, funding sources and registration
- Further action
- The notices will be reviewed, and institutions unable to show valid authorisation may be closed
- Reported approved madrassas
- 2,132, according to Minority Affairs Minister Kshudiram Tudu
Quotes
Samik Bhattacharya
BJP state chief in West Bengal
“Based on the findings, orders were issued to shut down 252 madrasas in the first phase. Additionally, show-cause notices have been served to another 100 madrasas where more serious irregularities were detected. If these institutions fail to produce proof or valid authorisation, action will be taken to shut them down.”
NDTV
“Madrassas being run in accordance with the law and with government permission will continue to function. But the government will not allow madrassas to be opened indiscriminately and cause trouble.”
deccanchronicle.com
m.rediff.com
theprint.in
Sources
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