West Bengal’s Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department has set up an 18-member committee to assess unregistered madrasas, known as ‘Khariji Madrasahs’, in 12 districts of the state. Starting July 15, the committee will visit these districts and present a detailed report by July 21 to the state department. Following the committee’s recommendations, further actions will be taken by the department.
The 12 districts identified for review include Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, West Midnapore, East Midnapore, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas. A previous notification in June instructed District Magistrates to submit comprehensive reports on madrasas by July 5. Due to a high number of unregistered madrasas, a second survey in these districts has been deemed necessary.
The state government plans to conduct a follow-up review before making final decisions on these madrasas. Earlier, District Magistrates were asked to provide details such as the madrasas’ founding date, registration status with the state department, student and staff information, residential status, and curriculum offered. The new Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education minister had pledged to crack down on illegally operating madrasas when he assumed office in May.
He emphasized that any identified illegal madrasas would be shut down, and those involved would face consequences. The state aims to prevent the emergence of illegal madrasas in the future, ensuring strict vigilance on such activities.
