The West Bengal government has launched a comprehensive statewide survey of madrasas to assess their functioning, infrastructure and legal status, with all district magistrates directed to submit detailed reports by July 5.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education on June 5, district administrations have been asked to gather information on the location of madrasas, year of establishment, registration status, availability of valid documents, and the number of students, teachers and non-teaching staff. Authorities will also collect details on whether the institutions are residential, privately aided or unaided, along with information on courses offered.
Officials said the exercise is intended to create an updated database of madrasa education in the state and ensure institutions are operating in compliance with existing regulations.
“The objective is administrative in nature. The government wants a comprehensive picture of madrasa education in the state so that future policies, student welfare measures and maintenance-related decisions can be taken on the basis of verified information,” the official told to the Indian News Agency.
The survey findings will be used to review educational facilities, improve institutional management and support future developmental initiatives. Officials said district-wise reports would help identify any gaps in records and regulatory compliance, following which appropriate decisions would be taken.
Sources indicated that any irregularities or unauthorised activities detected during the review would be examined separately. However, there is currently no proposal to alter the academic framework or curriculum followed by madrasas.
The initiative comes amid a series of education-sector measures introduced by the BJP government after assuming office in West Bengal. Recently, the state government also made the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning prayers mandatory in madrasas and other educational institutions across the state.
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