Khudiram Tudu, the Minister overseeing Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education in the new BJP-led West Bengal government, reiterated concerns about the crackdown on allegedly unauthorized madrasahs in the state. He emphasized the closure of all illegal madrasahs and the enforcement of penalties for those involved in such activities. Tudu, during his visit to Bankura district, stated that the state administration would vigilantly prevent the emergence of illegal madrasahs.
This marks the second instance this week where Tudu has addressed the proposed crackdown on illicitly operating madrasahs in West Bengal. Earlier, on May 12 in East Burdwan district, just days after assuming office, he issued a similar caution. The minister has instructed his departmental secretary to promptly identify and close down all unlawfully operating madrasahs in the state.
Additionally, Tudu emphasized the possibility of taking stringent action against establishments that persist in operating despite being declared illegal. He mentioned the potential use of bulldozers for demolition if necessary, reiterating the government’s commitment to halting all illegal activities in the state under the new administration. Tudu highlighted that the West Bengal government, with its dual-engine system, would mirror the operational style of BJP-led governments in other states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
Furthermore, Tudu, also responsible for the state’s Backward Classes Welfare Department, expressed concerns about individuals allegedly obtaining backward class certificates unlawfully during the previous Trinamool Congress regime. He vowed to identify such individuals and cease the unauthorized benefits they had been availing under categories meant for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
