The West Bengal government has resolved to close 250 state-recognized private madrasas that suffer from extremely sparse student attendance and inadequate structural amenities. The state cabinet granted in-principle clearance to this plan during a policy meeting. To safeguard the ongoing academic term of registered pupils, the administration has decided to permit these institutions to continue running instructional classes until December.
Negligible Attendance and Inadequate Infrastructure Trigger Action
According to administrative officials, the 250 institutions earmarked for decommissioning currently record negligible or virtually zero student enrollment. Extensive state assessments also revealed that many of these establishments lack the basic physical infrastructure mandated for functioning educational facilities. A formal, exhaustive assessment report covering these specific centers is anticipated before the Durga Puja festival, after which administrative authorities will proceed with the phased closure process.
Crackdown on Unregistered Institutions and Compliance Audits
The latest cabinet decision follows a series of regulatory interventions across the state's madrasa network. Just days prior, the state administration ordered the closure of 252 unauthorized madrasas operating without legal clearance. In addition, around 100 other madrasas received show-cause notices over suspected operational and statutory irregularities. These disciplinary measures stem from a statewide inspection survey that uncovered multiple institutions operating in breach of required state approvals and basic safety norms.
Official records further indicate the presence of roughly 2,500 madrasas across West Bengal that operate without any formal registration at the government level. Authorities are currently reviewing the documentation, permits, and operational structures of these unlisted bodies, leaving the door open to shut them down systematically in future phases following thorough investigations.
Massive Recruitment Drive Clears 1.51 Lakh State Jobs
Alongside education sector decisions, the state cabinet sanctioned a major employment drive approving the recruitment of approximately 1.51 lakh personnel across various public departments. Within this workforce expansion, law enforcement will receive a substantial manpower boost, allocating nearly 12,000 personnel to the West Bengal Police alongside approximately 4,000 positions for the Kolkata Police. The government emphasized that resolving personnel shortages would prevent service disruptions across public administration.
Departments received strict instructions to dismantle recruitment bottlenecks and accelerate onboarding processes. Administrative directives from the Chief Minister stressed resolving pending recruitment hurdles swiftly while ensuring that allocated budgetary provisions translate into timely project execution.
New Correctional Facility in Nimtouri and Enhanced Hostel Allowances
Addressing state social and civic infrastructure, the cabinet formally sanctioned the establishment of a new correctional home at Nimtouri in the Purba Medinipur district. Concurrently, the administration announced a major financial hike in monthly welfare aid for ashram hostels operating under the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and library grant schemes. The monthly allowance designated for each resident student has been increased from 1,800 rupees to 3,300 rupees.
