The West Bengal government on Sunday issued a sweeping order to shut down 252 madrasas operating across the state, citing a severe deficit in basic educational infrastructure and Amenities. The decision was announced by the Minority Welfare and Madrasa Education Department, which conducted a widespread inspection of madrasa institutions throughout the state.
According to senior government officials, the majority of the closed madrasas were found to be operating without fundamental facilities such as proper classroom buildings, adequate sanitation, drinking water, trained teaching staff, and recognized curriculum frameworks. The department stated that institutions failing to meet minimum operational standards could no longer be permitted to function, as their continued operation undermined the quality of education provided to students.
In addition to the closure orders, show-cause notices have been sent to approximately 100 other madrasas, asking them to explain why they should not face similar action. Officials confirmed that after reviewing the responses received, the department will take further steps as warranted. Madrasas that comply with the prescribed standards, however, will continue to operate without interruption, the government clarified.
This action follows a significant fiscal recalibration earlier in 2026, when the state government substantially reduced the budget allocation for the Minority Welfare and Madrasa Education Department by roughly ₹3,600 crore. At the time, the government stated the cuts were aimed at rationalizing expenditures and redirecting funds toward institutions that met established quality benchmarks. Analysts noted that the reduction in funding and the subsequent closure drive were part of a broader effort to streamline the madrasa education system and ensure accountability in public spending.
Education experts and minority community representatives have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed the move as a long-overdue step toward standardizing madrasa education and aligning it with broader educational outcomes, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on students enrolled in these institutions and the availability of alternative educational options in rural and underserved areas.
The state government has stated that a detailed list of the affected madrasas and the specific deficiencies identified will be made public in the coming days.
