West Bengal orders closure of 252 unapproved madrassas after survey
India
West Bengal has ordered the closure of 252 madrassas after a survey found they lacked official approval and basic facilities.
Another around 100 have been given show-cause notices, and their future depends on how they respond.
This move follows orders from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to check for unapproved seminaries.
West Bengal government: only compliant madrassas
The government says only madrassas meeting legal and infrastructure standards will stay open.
While some officials, like Dilip Ghosh, have raised concerns about extremist links in certain schools, others, like Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh, are urging fairness so that law-abiding institutions aren't unfairly targeted.
The main goal, according to the state, is to regulate seminaries.