Archive · 13 Sep 2026
West Bengal Orders Closure Of 252 Madrassas After Survey
The West Bengal government checked madrassas across the state.
Officials said some schools did not have the required approvals or basic facilities.
Because of these findings, 252 madrassas were ordered to close.
About 100 more were asked to explain themselves and provide proof that they were authorised.
They could also be closed if their answers are not accepted.
The survey began in early June and looked at how the madrassas were managed and funded.
One report said many of the madrassas facing closure belonged to the Khariji sect.
Government leaders also linked some madrassas to complaints and alleged extremist activity.
Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh said all madrassas should not be blamed for the alleged problems of some institutions.
The West Bengal government ordered 252 madrassas to close after a statewide survey.
Around 100 additional madrassas received show-cause notices over alleged approval and infrastructure deficiencies.
The survey began in early June and examined management, infrastructure, registration, funding and enrolment.
Officials said authorised madrassas with government permission could continue operating.
Government leaders cited complaints and alleged extremist activity, while Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh opposed treating all madrassas alike.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, its Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, and ministers including Kshudiram Tudu took the action; Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh criticised broad allegations.
- What
- Authorities ordered 252 madrassas to close and issued show-cause notices to around 100 others.
- When
- The survey began in early June, and the action was reported on September 13 and on a Sunday in the reports.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including Kolkata and 22 other districts according to one report.
- Why
- Officials cited missing approvals and basic infrastructure; the survey also examined management, registration, funding and enrolment.
Government Justification
Opposition Concerns
Basis for closure
Government Justification
Government representatives said the affected madrassas lacked required approvals or basic infrastructure. They also cited repeated complaints and alleged extremist or anti-national activity connected to some institutions.
Opposition Concerns
Kunal Ghosh said madrassas should not all be painted with the same brush or collectively subjected to terrorist-related allegations.
Regulation of madrassas
Government Justification
Officials said madrassas operating legally with government permission would continue, while institutions unable to prove valid authorisation could be shut down.
Opposition Concerns
Ghosh described madrassas as an education system and argued that alleged problems involving some institutions should not justify broad accusations against all madrassas.
Security concerns
Government Justification
BJP leaders defended the action, citing alleged radicalisation in border areas and claims that Bangladesh-based terrorists used some non-affiliated madrassas for shelter.
Opposition Concerns
The reports provide no separate evidence from opposition representatives supporting those claims; Ghosh rejected the characterisation of madrassas through such allegations.
- Madrassas ordered closed
- 252
- Show-cause notices
- Around 100 madrassas
- Survey period
- Since early June
- Survey coverage
- All West Bengal districts; one report specified Kolkata and 22 other districts
- Survey criteria
- Infrastructure, approval status, management systems, registration, funding and enrolment
- Approved madrassas
- 2,132, according to Kshudiram Tudu
- Unapproved madrassas
- 2,396, according to Kshudiram Tudu
- Reported closure concentration
- At least 44 in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad
Sources
Bengal shuts 252 madrassas, sends notices to 100 more over approval, infrastructure gaps
West Bengal Orders Closure Of 252 Madrassas After Statewide Survey
Bengal Shuts 252 Madrasas After Review, Show-Cause Notice To 100 More
Bengal government orders closure of 252 madrassas, show-cause notices to 100 others
Bengal govt orders closure of 252 madrassas
