Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Government closes 252 unrecognised private madrasas in Bengal
The government has closed 252 private madrasas in West Bengal.
These schools were not receiving government aid and were waiting for recognition.
Most are in Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia.
The schools can no longer admit new students.
Officials said they did not meet rules about buildings, student numbers or curriculum.
The government began checking unrecognised madrasas on June 5.
District officials submitted reports in early July after being asked to report by July 5.
A BJP state leader said all children should have equal education opportunities and standards.
The West Bengal government has closed 252 private, unaided madrasas awaiting board recognition.
The madrasas are located in districts including Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia.
The institutions cannot admit new students and will never receive board recognition.
Officials said the madrasas failed requirements involving buildings, enrolment and approved curricula.
The closures followed a state mapping exercise that began on June 5.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, the Directorate of Madrasa Education and the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education are involved; the affected institutions are 252 private, unaided madrasas.
- What
- The government ordered the closure of 252 unrecognised private madrasas and barred them from admitting students.
- When
- The mapping exercise began on June 5; district reports were due by July 5 and were submitted in early July. The closure order was issued the following week, according to the article.
- Where
- The madrasas are located in West Bengal, including the districts of Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia.
- Why
- Officials said the madrasas failed requirements concerning all-weather buildings, minimum student enrolment and compliance with the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education curriculum.
- Madrasas closed
- 252
- Institution type
- Private, unaided and awaiting recognition
- Affected districts
- Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia, among others
- Closure consequence
- The madrasas cannot admit new students and will not be recognised by the board
- Mapping start date
- June 5
- Reported requirements
- An all-weather building, minimum enrolment thresholds and compliance with the state madrasa curriculum
- State-aided madrasas
- 628 formal institutions, including 615 Bengali-medium and 13 English-medium madrasas