By Maktoob
Three months after launching a statewide survey of madrasas, the BJP-led West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 institutions and issued show-cause notices to 100 others, citing a lack of approval or other irregularities.
Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Minister Kshudiram Tudu said the institutions would be given an opportunity to respond, but further action would follow if their explanations were found to be unsatisfactory.
According to officials, the survey covered all 22 districts and examined the management, teachers, students, infrastructure, funding sources and other details related to madrasa education.
The survey found that 2,132 madrasas were operating with proper approval, while 2,396 were functioning without permission from a government board or the required authority.
Malda recorded the highest number of closures, at 45, followed by Uttar Dinajpur with 37, and South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad and Nadia with 25 each.
“In addition, 100 more madrasas where serious irregularities have been found have been issued show-cause notices…,” Kshudiram said.
The government had earlier said that the survey was intended to collect authentic district-wise data, support educational planning and child-welfare measures, and identify possible irregularities or unlawful activities.
Reacting to the closures, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the action was long overdue. He linked the issue to concerns over activities in “Khaliji madrasas” and claimed that the previous Left government had failed to address the situation.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
