West Bengal shuts down 252 unregistered madrasas in education crackdown

The West Bengal administration has directed the shutdown of 252 unaided and unrecognised madrasas, escalating regulatory oversight of Islamic educational institutions in the state. The closure notices were issued to institutions operating without government recognition or financial support, signalling stricter compliance requirements for religious schools.

Madrasah education in Bengal maintains deep historical roots, with the system emerging nearly 250 years ago. The Calcutta Madrasah, established in 1780 by the British East India Company, marked a foundational moment in formalising Islamic education in the region. Over subsequent decades, the madrasah network expanded significantly, becoming an integral component of the state's educational landscape.

The current closure directive represents a systematic effort to regulate unrecognised institutions operating outside government oversight. Authorities have focused on madrasas lacking formal recognition or government funding, raising questions about academic standards and regulatory compliance across the sector.

The move reflects broader policy discussions in India regarding oversight of private and religious educational institutions. State governments have increasingly sought to ensure that schools—regardless of their religious affiliation—meet prescribed educational standards and maintain transparent operational frameworks. West Bengal's action underscores these evolving regulatory approaches to institutional education.