The West Bengal government has recently decided to shut down 252 unauthorized madrassas. However, this trend is not limited to West Bengal alone; across India, numerous madrassas lack official recognition, prompting various state governments to take steps toward closing them and initiating surveys to identify non-compliant institutions.
In response to this shifting regulatory landscape, Darul Uloom Deoband—one of South Asia's most influential Islamic institutions located in Uttar Pradesh—is organizing a massive convention tomorrow, October 27. Approximately 5,000 madrassa representatives from all over India are expected to participate. Organized under the banner of the All-India Madrasa management association 'Rabita-i-Madaris Islamia,' the conference will focus on enhancing the quality of Islamic education and strengthening the administrative management of these institutions.
Special emphasis will be placed on addressing current operational challenges, maintaining transparency in documentation and financial accounts, and bolstering security measures. Prior to the commencement of the conference, Darul Uloom's executive committee, the 'Majlis-e-Amila,' will review previous decisions and finalize the agenda. The institution's rector, Mufti Abul Kasim Nomani, stated that preparations to welcome guests from diverse regions of the country are in their final stages.
Meanwhile, madrassas in West Bengal are facing intense pressure. Shortly after assuming power, the newly formed state government launched a comprehensive survey to verify the infrastructure and legal status of these institutions. Following this survey, conducted under the directives of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, an order was issued to shut down approximately 252 madrassas across the state simultaneously.
