Kolkata, Aug 08: The West Bengal cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has taken a significant step in promoting the state’s native language, Bengali. On August 7, the cabinet approved a proposal to make Bengali mandatory as a second language in all private English medium schools across the state.
This decision comes in response to the declining interest in learning Bengali among students, who often opt for other languages like Hindi as their second language.
A senior official from the cabinet stated that while there are provisions for studying Bengali as a second language, many students choose other languages, leading to a lack of proper proficiency in Bengali. By making Bengali compulsory, the government aims to ensure that students develop a stronger connection with their mother tongue and preserve the cultural heritage of West Bengal.
The move to make Bengali mandatory in private English medium schools is a progressive step that fosters linguistic diversity and inclusivity. It recognizes the importance of regional languages and helps create a conducive environment for students to embrace and appreciate their linguistic roots. Language plays a crucial role in shaping a person’s identity and cultural understanding, and this decision by the West Bengal cabinet promotes multilingualism and harmonious coexistence.
Additionally, the cabinet also approved the establishment of an Education Commission, similar to the Health Commission, to address complaints against private schools. This commission will be led by a retired judge and will investigate issues related to excessive tuition fees, syllabus discrepancies, and examination processes in private schools. The move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring quality education and safeguarding the rights of students and their parents.
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The decision to introduce Bengali as a compulsory second language has garnered praise from various quarters. Bangla Pokkho, an organization working to promote the Bengali language, welcomed the move and congratulated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Education Minister Bratya Basu for the initiative. The organization believes that this decision has been long-awaited by the people of West Bengal, who view it as a step towards strengthening the cultural fabric of the state.
In addition to the language-related decisions, the state cabinet also approved the formation of a committee tasked with submitting a report on the creation of seven new districts in West Bengal. Nadia, Birbhum, Malda, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba, and Paschim Medinipur districts will be divided to form these new administrative units. This move is aimed at improving administrative efficiency and bringing governance closer to the people.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need for swift implementation of all the decisions taken by the state government, including those approved by the cabinet. She set a 15-day deadline for the implementation process and instructed government officials to submit reports on their progress to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Overall, the West Bengal cabinet’s decision to make Bengali mandatory as a second language in English medium schools reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the state. Language is not merely a means of communication but also a bridge that connects individuals to their roots and identity.
By prioritizing Bengali in education, the government is taking a crucial step towards nurturing linguistic diversity, fostering inclusivity, and building a stronger sense of cultural identity among the youth of West Bengal. The move is expected to receive widespread support and appreciation from various sections of society as it moves the state towards a more inclusive and harmonious future.
