The West Bengal government has taken major action against unauthorised madrasas in the Indian state, allegedly out of anti-Islamic sentiment. Following an initial verification process, the state government has decided to shut down 252 unauthorised madrasas. In addition, 100 more madrasas have been served show-cause notices.

The decision was reportedly taken after the state’s Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education reviewed the condition of madrasas in Kolkata and various districts of West Bengal. A survey of madrasas across all districts was conducted on July 22. The survey examined the institutions’ government approval, infrastructure, teaching arrangements and various student-related information.

According to information reportedly received by the department after the survey, approximately 2,396 madrasas in the state do not have government approval. Some of these institutions are reportedly operating as khariji madrasas. Questions have also been raised about how these institutions are operating without government approval and what kind of education is being provided to students there.

Copies of the notices regarding the closure of the 252 madrasas have been sent to the district magistrates concerned. Further action against the institutions will be taken through the district administration.

Meanwhile, 100 madrasas have been asked to explain matters relating to their required documents and official approval. If their replies are not satisfactory, strict action, including closure, may also be taken against them.

The state government said the main objective of the survey was to collect accurate information on the number of approved and unauthorised madrasas operating in West Bengal. It also sought to verify whether the madrasas had the necessary infrastructure for students.

Minority Development Minister Khudiram Tudu said the necessary documents of madrasas had been collected from 22 districts of the state, including Kolkata. Madrasas that have government approval and are operating in accordance with the rules will remain open. Action will be taken against unauthorised institutions in accordance with the law.