A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Calcutta High Court, questioning the Bengal government’s recognition of Rajbanshi schools. The petitioner raises concerns over the exclusion of existing schools from the recognized list and doubts regarding the approval and recruitment process.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
JALPAIGURI,WEST BENGAL: On Friday, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the Rajbanshi language has filed a case at the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court. The case raises concerns over the state’s decision to recognize Rajbanshi medium schools, a move allegedly based on a list submitted by Bangshibadan Barman, a leader of the community and the head of the Rajbanshi Bhasha Academy.
Bhabesh Roy, the spokesperson for the Rajbanshi Bhasha Siksha Sansad, highlighted the historical context, stating-
“After Mamata Banerjee assumed the chief minister’s office in 2011, her government recognized the Rajbanshi language.” Roy emphasized that this decision served as a catalyst for the establishment of Rajbanshi-medium primary schools, employing educated youths as teachers. Roy added, “As of now, there are 407 such schools with over 1,000 students.”
ALSO READ:Delhi Rohini Court Fines Defendant Rs. 30,000 for Non-appearance in Cheating Case
Most of these schools are reportedly concentrated in South Dinajpur district, with additional institutions in Malda, North Dinajpur, and the Siliguri sub-division of Darjeeling district.
During a recent visit to North Bengal, Mamata Banerjee announced the government’s intention to recognize 200 Rajbanshi-medium primary schools and deploy teachers to these institutions. However, concerns arose when it was discovered that the list submitted by Bangshibadan Barman exclusively included schools he had established, omitting all 407 existing institutions.
ALSO READ:ED Opposes Shajahan Sheikh’s Anticipatory Bail Plea, Cites His Significant Influence
The spokesperson of the Sansad expressed frustration, saying-
“We have sent a number of letters to the state and to the chief minister but didn’t receive any response so far.”
Adding to the controversy is the fact that Bangshibadan Barman, who also leads a faction of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples’ Association, lacks official approval from the state. Bhabesh Roy voiced doubts about the recruitment process for teachers,
stating-
“We also have doubts as to whether the teachers would be recruited with a proper process.”
In response to the legal challenge, Bangshibadan Barman remained brief, stating–
“Anybody is free to approach the judiciary. Now that they have filed a case, I would not comment on the issue.”
