Kolkata: West Bengal’s Education Minister, Bratya Basu, stated on Tuesday that students can select their primary language.
During a press briefing, Basu further explained that the selection of second and third languages will be based on the demographic and ethnic profiles of the community residing in a specific region. In essence, students enjoy the liberty to choose their first language.
‘In Kolkata, one has the option to select Bengali as their primary language. In the Darjeeling hills, Nepali can be chosen as the first language if desired,’ he mentioned.
‘In specific regions of the state, Alchiki or Rajbanshi can be opted for as the first language. Additionally, Urdu can also be chosen as the primary language,’ he further added.
He also expressed, ‘The choice of second and third languages will depend entirely on the population pattern and ethnic composition influenced by demographic factors.’
He mentioned that the state education policy recommendations will be implemented by educational boards and councils in schools and by universities in colleges. The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education oversees the class 10 finals, while the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education administers the class 12 final examinations.
The policy recommendations will soon be available on the official website. According to a government official, the new education policy in West Bengal requires students in classes 5-8 to learn three languages, with Bengali as the priority language. At the primary level, two languages will be taught, including the mother tongue, as stated by the official who explained the policy approved by the state cabinet on Monday.
The official stated that students from classes 5 to 8 would be required to study three languages, with the option of choosing a regional or foreign language as the third one. Among the choices, priority will be given to Bengali, Sanskrit, or Hindi. The primary objective is to impart Bengali language skills to young individuals in West Bengal.
