West Bengal’s new education policy ensures that students learn a first language of their choice without interference of the government. Bratya Basu, the Education Minister of the state said on Tuesday that students will have to opt for a second and third language as per the ‘population pattern’ and ethnic profile of people. The minister also claimed, “A student is free to choose the first language. In Kolkata, you can choose Bengali as the first language. In the Darjeeling hills, you can choose Nepali as your first language if you wish. In certain regions of the state, a student can choose Alchiki or Rajbanshi as the first language. You can also opt for Urdu as the first language.”
While assuring that the government wouldn’t impose Bengali as a second language, Mr Basu said, “The second and third languages will entirely hinge on the population pattern and the ethnic profile of people living in a particular region.” The guidelines of the new education policy will soon be uploaded on the state board’s official website. According to the policy, students reading in classes 5-8 under the state board will have to learn three languages. Full control of private schools will not be taken for that matter. “Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, received several complaints regarding the fee structure of some private schools. Old and renowned schools have no problem with fee structure. Some new private schools have increased fees abruptly. We will control those institutions,” Basu said.
