Registrations, funding, staff and curriculum under scanner
KOLKATA: The BJP-led West Bengal government has initiated a statewide review of madrasas, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directing district administrations to conduct a detailed assessment of such institutions and submit comprehensive reports to the state secretariat, Nabanna, by July 5.
The exercise, launched through the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, is being called an administrative review aimed at compiling updated information on madrasas operating across the state.
Under the directions issued, district magistrates have been asked to gather extensive data relating to madrasas functioning within their jurisdictions. The information sought includes the year of establishment of each institution, details of registration with the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, student enrolment figures, and particulars of teaching as well as non-teaching staff. Officials have also been instructed to specify whether the institution is residential in nature, privately aided or operating under any other category.
The state government has additionally sought information regarding the courses and curriculum being offered by individual madrasas.
According to officials, the review is intended to create a consolidated database that will help policymakers assess educational requirements and identify areas where improvements or support measures may be needed for students studying in these institutions.
Government sources indicated that the review is not limited to collecting academic and administrative data. Authorities also intend to examine whether any irregularities or unauthorised activities are linked to any institution.
Officials said the information gathered through the district-level reports would enable the government to determine whether further scrutiny is required in specific cases.
While stressing that appropriate action would be taken wherever irregularities are detected, a senior department official clarified that the objective is to gather information and improve oversight, adding that educational activities would continue uninterrupted during the process.
According to the department, the review is intended to strengthen planning and administration rather than disrupt academic functioning, and students currently enrolled in madrasas will not be affected by the exercise.
With district administrations now tasked with collecting institution-wise information, the government is expected to receive the first consolidated assessment by early July.
The reports will form the basis for future decisions concerning madrasa education, institutional oversight and student welfare initiatives across West Bengal.
Agencies