West Bengal abolishes Madrasa Service Commission

The West Bengal government has decided to abolish the Madrasa Service Commission (MSC). Teachers at government-recognised madrasas will now be recruited through the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The state Cabinet has already approved the decision.
On Tuesday night, West Bengal Chief Minister Mr. Shuvendu Adhikari said the Madrasa Service Commission would be abolished and merged with the School Service Commission. This will create a common recruitment system for schools and madrasas.
A senior Nabanna official said two separate bills would be introduced in the state Assembly to implement the decision. One will repeal the Madrasa Service Commission Act, while the other will amend the School Service Commission Act. After being passed by the Assembly, the bills will be sent to the governor for approval. The new system will come into effect after a gazette notification is issued.
The West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission was established on October 22, 2008, under the Madrasa Service Commission Act, 2008. Earlier, in 2007, 614 madrasas in the state were granted minority educational institution status. The commission was later established as a separate recruitment body for these institutions.
Under the new system, candidates will no longer have to apply and sit for separate recruitment examinations for schools and madrasas. However, educational qualifications, subject-wise vacancies and the examination format will be finalised after the relevant laws are amended.
The West Bengal government has also recently made other administrative changes in the madrasa education system. Administrative control of Aliah University has been shifted from the Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education to the Department of Higher Education.
Officials said the measures are part of the state government’s efforts to establish a common education structure.