West Bengal Orders Closure of 252 Madrasas After Review, Show-Cause Notices to 100 More

September 13, 2026

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas and issued show-cause notices to around 100 more following a statewide survey of madrasa institutions, officials said on Sunday.

The action was taken after inspections found issues related to government approval, basic infrastructure, registration, management systems and adherence to the prescribed curriculum. The state government said institutions with the required approvals would continue to function.

252 Madrasas Ordered to Close

According to state officials, the survey found that several institutions did not have the required approvals or basic infrastructure. The 252 madrasas have consequently been ordered to close.

Another 100 madrasas have been served show-cause notices. These institutions will have to explain their status and produce the required authorisation. Further action will be taken after their responses are examined.

The survey was conducted by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across West Bengal. Officials examined the registration and approval status of institutions, their management systems, student and teacher numbers, infrastructure and sources of funding.

Survey Finds Infrastructure and Curriculum Issues

Officials said the inspections identified problems including inadequate classroom space, insufficient infrastructure, low student-teacher numbers, deviations from the prescribed syllabus and failure to comply with administrative requirements.

The exercise was initiated following directions from the state government to identify authorised and unauthorised madrasa institutions across the state. The survey covered 22 districts as well as Kolkata.

State data cited in reports showed that 2,132 madrasas have valid approval, while around 2,396 were operating without the required government or board registration/affiliation.

Malda Records Highest Number of Closure Notices

Among the districts, Malda recorded the highest number of madrasas facing closure action, with around 44–45 institutions. It was followed by Uttar Dinajpur with around 37, South 24 Parganas with 32, and Murshidabad and Nadia with around 25 each.

The government has indicated that the verification process will continue and that action will be taken against institutions found to be operating without the required approvals or in violation of prescribed rules.

The move has also triggered a political debate, with ruling-side voices citing concerns over unregulated institutions, while opposition voices have argued against treating all madrasas alike.