The Assam government is taking steps to either shut down state-run Madrasas or convert them into regular schools. In this regard, BJP leader and Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma has said that the Quran can't be taught on government money.

"All state-run madrassas will be converted into regular schools or in certain cases, teachers will be transferred to other state-run schools. Madrassas will be shut down," the Minister has been quoted as saying by ANI, adding that a notification to this effect will be issued in November.

He stated that if the Quran can be taught on taxpayers' money, then "we should also teach both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita."

Private madrasas will continue to operate. The state government reportedly spends about Rs 3-4 Cr on state-run Islamic schools. Sanskrit schools, sponsored by the government, too, will be either shut down or converted into regular schools.