Kolkata, June 6: The West Bengal government has launched a statewide survey of madrasas, seeking comprehensive information on their functioning, infrastructure and legal status, an official said on Saturday. All district magistrates were directed to submit detailed reports in this regard by July 5.
Officials said the survey would also help the government verify whether all institutions are operating in accordance with existing rules and possess the necessary documentation.
According to a notification issued by the Department of Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education on June 5, district administrations have been asked to collect data on the location of madrasas, the year of their establishment, registration details, availability of valid documents, and the number of students, teachers and non-teaching staff. The reports will also have to specify whether the institutions are residential, privately aided or unaided, and provide details of the courses being taught.
A senior official at the state secretariat said the exercise was aimed at creating an updated database to facilitate future planning in the madrasa education sector. “The objective is administrative in nature. The government wants a comprehensive picture of madrasa education in the state so that future policies, student welfare measures and maintenance-related decisions can be taken on the basis of verified information,” the official said. (PTI)
