[ad_1]
Last updated:
A WBBSE official confirmed that schools in the GTA area will be exempted from the decision to make singing the state anthem mandatory.
Earlier in the state there was no specified prayer song other than the national anthem. (Representative/file photo)
An autonomous body that manages administrative affairs in Darjeeling Hills has announced that students in schools in the region have been exempted from singing the state anthem during prayers, PTI reported.
On 6 November, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) issued a notification asking all state-run and state-aided schools to include the state anthem written by Rabindranath Tagore and previously announced along with the national anthem.
The song “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” (Land of Bengal, Water of Bengal) was written by the Nobel laureate to protest the partition of Bengal in 1905.
On 7 November, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Secretary PD Pradhan issued a notice to the District Inspector of Schools, pointing out that in addition to the national anthem, traditional anthems and morning prayers in the Nepali language are performed in many schools in the GTA area.
“I am directed to inform you that the regular tradition of morning assembly will be followed in the schools keeping in mind the different cultures, tradition and language of communication in the schools in the GTA area. You are also requested to inform all the secondary schools in the GTA area accordingly,” the notice said.
A WBBSE official confirmed that schools in the GTA area will be exempted from the decision to make singing the state anthem mandatory.
In a related development, Darjeeling BJP MLA Neeraj Tamang Jimba wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing concern over the WBBSE notice. He said making singing of the state anthem mandatory during assembly in schools has raised “serious constitutional, cultural and administrative concerns” in his constituency and beyond.
Zimba said, “Our Constitution celebrates unity through diversity, not uniformity through order… No citizen, student or institution is forced to adopt a practice or symbol that conflicts with their conscience, language or cultural identity.”
Earlier in the state there was no specified prayer song other than the national anthem.
A team of journalists, writers and editors brings you news, analysis and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest…read more
A team of journalists, writers and editors brings you news, analysis and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest… read more
November 08, 2025, 6:17 pm IST
read more
[ad_2]
