The West Bengal Cabinet has decided in principle to close 250 government-recognised private madrasas in phases by December, citing very low or negligible enrolment and inadequate infrastructure. The institutions will continue classes until December for the students currently enrolled, after which the closure process will begin.
The decision follows a state-wide review of madrasa institutions. The government had earlier ordered the closure of 252 unauthorised madrasas and issued show-cause notices to around 100 others over alleged approval and infrastructure-related irregularities. Officials have also indicated that nearly 2,500 unregistered madrasas operating across West Bengal could face phased closure in the future.
The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to recruit around 1.51 lakh personnel across various government departments, including 12,000 positions in the West Bengal Police and 4,000 in the Kolkata Police. Departments have been directed to speed up recruitment and resolve pending issues affecting the process.
Other decisions included approval for a new correctional home at Nimtouri in Purba Medinipur and an increase in grants for Ashram hostels under the SC, ST and library grant scheme from Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,300. Officials said the government wants to ensure vacancies are filled and allocated funds are used according to planned requirements.
