West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a comprehensive statewide survey of madrasas to evaluate their infrastructure, functioning, and legal standing.
This initiative represents a significant move toward administrative oversight of religious educational institutions in the state. By gathering detailed data on how these schools operate, the government seeks to establish a baseline for legal compliance and operational standards.
Under the directive, district officials must submit detailed reports on the institutions within their jurisdictions. The survey focuses on the physical infrastructure of the madrasas and their current operational status [1]. The government is specifically seeking information regarding the legal standing of these schools to ensure they meet state requirements [1].
The order was announced in May 2026 [1]. District-wise reports must be submitted to the state government by July 5, 2026 [1].
While the primary focus of the government order involves administrative data collection, other reports have indicated different mandates for these institutions. Some sources mention a requirement for the singing of "Vande Mataram" in all madrasas, though this differs from the infrastructure survey outlined in the official administrative directive [2].
Officials said the survey is intended to provide a clear picture of the educational landscape in West Bengal. The data collected will allow the state to identify gaps in infrastructure and ensure that all religious schools are operating within the law [1].
“The government is specifically seeking information regarding the legal standing of these schools”
The move to catalog madrasas suggests a shift toward tighter state regulation of religious education. By demanding reports on legal standing and infrastructure, the West Bengal government is positioning itself to exercise greater oversight, which may lead to future policy changes regarding accreditation or funding for these institutions.
