In a significant move aimed at strengthening the cultural fabric of the state’s education system, West Bengal has given the green light to a proposal that makes Bengali mandatory as a second language in private English medium schools. This landmark decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on August 7. The objective behind this initiative is to ensure that students develop a robust understanding of their regional language alongside their academic pursuits.
The decision to make Bengali a compulsory second language comes as a response to the observed trend wherein students often opt for languages like Hindi or others instead of Bengali. This choice has sometimes led to inadequate proficiency in the native language. In a bid to rectify this, the West Bengal government has taken the stride to mandate Bengali as the second language across all private English medium schools in the state. This move is expected to foster a stronger connection between the students and their linguistic heritage.
Additionally, the cabinet meeting gave the go-ahead for the establishment of an Education Commission, similar to the Health Commission, with a retired judge at its helm. This Commission will address various concerns related to private schools. During the ongoing pandemic, there were numerous complaints about steep increases in tuition fees by private schools, as well as grievances concerning syllabus and examination processes. The Education Commission will take a comprehensive approach to investigate and resolve these matters, ensuring a more transparent and accountable education system.
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The decision to make Bengali a compulsory second language has been warmly welcomed by various quarters. Bangla Pokkho, an organisation dedicated to promoting the Bengali language, expressed their support for this move, lauding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Education Minister Bratya Basu for taking this crucial step. The decision resonates deeply with the aspirations of the people of West Bengal, who have eagerly awaited such an initiative.
Furthermore, the cabinet meeting endorsed the formation of a committee tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on the creation of seven new districts within the state. This transformation is set to divide districts like Nadia, Birbhum, Malda, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba, and Paschim Medinipur into seven distinct administrative regions. The committee, comprising senior ministers and officials, will work diligently over the next three months to analyse and formulate a comprehensive plan for this division.
In a commitment to swift governance, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also established a 15-day deadline for the implementation of all decisions made by the state government, including those ratified by the cabinet. This proactive approach is aimed at ensuring the timely execution of policies and initiatives to benefit the people of West Bengal. Officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of furnishing detailed reports on the implementation to the Chief Minister’s Office, underscoring the government’s dedication to effective governance.
