Archive · 24 Sep 2026
West Bengal Cabinet Plans Madrasa Closures, Clears 1.51 Lakh Jobs
West Bengal plans to close 250 private madrasas over time.
Officials said these schools have very few students or do not have enough facilities.
The schools can keep teaching until December so their students are not suddenly affected.
Officials will collect reports from the schools before taking further action.
The government has also approved notices for about 100 other madrasas because of alleged problems.
Nearly 2,500 unregistered madrasas could possibly be closed in stages later.
The Cabinet also approved plans to hire about 1.51 lakh government workers.
This includes workers for the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, along with other government departments.
The West Bengal Cabinet decided in principle to gradually close 250 government-recognised private madrasas over low enrolment and inadequate infrastructure.
The affected madrasas may continue classes until December, with institutional reports expected before the Durga Puja festivities.
The Cabinet approved show-cause notices for about 100 madrasas over alleged irregularities; nearly 2,500 unregistered madrasas may face phased closure later.
The government cleared recruitment of around 1.51 lakh personnel, including 12,000 for West Bengal Police and 4,000 for Kolkata Police.
Other decisions included a correctional home at Nimtouri, separate departmental status for AYUSH and higher Ashram hostel grants.
- Who
- The West Bengal Cabinet, state government departments and the affected private madrasas.
- What
- The Cabinet approved in principle the phased closure of 250 recognised private madrasas and recruitment of around 1.51 lakh personnel.
- When
- The decision was reported on September 23; the affected madrasas may continue classes until December, with reports expected before the Durga Puja festivities.
- Where
- Across West Bengal; a new correctional home is planned at Nimtouri in Purba Medinipur district.
- Why
- Officials cited very low or negligible enrolment, inadequate infrastructure, missing approvals and alleged irregularities; recruitment is intended to fill vacancies so public services are not affected.
- Madrasas targeted for closure
- 250 government-recognised private madrasas
- Temporary operating period
- Classes may continue until December
- Additional show-cause notices
- About 100 madrasas
- Potential future closures
- Nearly 2,500 unregistered madrasas may be closed in phases
- Planned recruitment
- Around 1.51 lakh personnel across government departments
- Police recruitment
- 12,000 for West Bengal Police and 4,000 for Kolkata Police
- Ashram hostel grant
- Increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,300
