Kolkata - In a significant move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that Bengali will become a mandatory subject in all schools across the state, adhering to a three-language formula. This decision was shared through a Facebook post where she highlighted the freedom of students to select any language of their preference as their first, second, or third language. Choices encompass Bengali, Hindi, English, Urdu, Gurmukhi, and Nepali. Notably, one of the three chosen languages must be Bengali, while the remaining two are left to the students' discretion.

Mamata Banerjee emphasized that this approach aims to empower students to attain regional, national, and international benchmarks. She underscored Bengal's commitment to honoring all languages, regardless of the state they belong to. The three-language formula exemplifies unity within India's diversity, considering the nation's vastness and the importance of each regional language.

The announcement aligns with the statement made by the state's Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, just a day prior. He stated that learning Bengali would be mandatory for students in classes one through ten. This requirement also extends to English medium schools affiliated with boards other than the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education. These schools will need to incorporate provisions for teaching Bengali as either a second or third language.

This decision not only emphasizes the significance of preserving regional languages but also reflects West Bengal's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment.