Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari of West Bengal has issued a directive ordering a full-scale audit of every madrasa operating within the state's boundaries. The move, announced late Thursday, directs education and law enforcement officials to systematically verify the legal status of each religious educational institution and flag any that are found to be functioning without proper registration or government approval.
The review comes amid growing concerns from the state government about unregulated madrasa education and its potential ties to radicalization. Sources within the administration indicated that several madrasas had been operating for years without filing the mandatory paperwork required under West Bengal's private educational institution regulations. Some have reportedly been receiving funding from unknown foreign sources, a detail that has raised eyebrows among security agencies.
Adhikari emphasized that the government's intent is not to target the religion itself but to ensure that all educational institutions operate within the legal framework. "We respect the right of every community to practice its faith and educate its children," he said during a press conference in Kolkata. "But no institution can operate beyond the reach of the law. If a madrasa is registered, transparent, and following the curriculum, there is nothing to worry about. Those that are hiding will be found out."
Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who was present at the announcement, confirmed that a special task force comprising officials from the education department, the police, and intelligence agencies would be formed to carry out the verification process. The task force is expected to begin field inspections within two weeks.
Community leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Several Bengali Muslim organizations welcomed the move as a chance to reform madrasa education and bring it in line with mainstream curricula. However, some conservative groups have accused the government of targeting minority communities under the guise of regulation. Rights advocates worry that the term "illegal" could be applied broadly, potentially endangering long-standing institutions that simply lack modern documentation.
The state currently has an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 registered madrasas, according to government data, though independent observers believe the true number could be significantly higher if unregistered institutions are included. The review is expected to take at least three months to complete across all 23 districts of West Bengal.
