Singur movement chapter dropped from Class 8 syllabus; Kanyashree scheme also set to be removed; Jana Sangh founder’s life and contributions to feature in every textbook
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has announced major changes to the state’s school curriculum, including the introduction of the complete text of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the beginning of every textbook and lessons on the life and contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
The revisions are part of a broader exercise to give greater emphasis to West Bengal’s history and prominent personalities. State School Education Minister Deepak Barman announced the changes, stating that a committee constituted to restructure the syllabus had completed its recommendations.
Under the revised curriculum, a brief introduction to Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s life and contributions will be included in every school textbook. The move is aimed at familiarising students with his role in the history of Bengal and the country.
Singur Movement Removed from Class 8 Textbooks
One of the major changes is the removal of the chapter on the Singur anti-land acquisition movement from the Class 8 syllabus.
The Singur movement gained prominence during the Left Front government’s tenure, when protests erupted against the acquisition of agricultural land for Tata Motors’ Nano car project. The agitation, led by Mamata Banerjee, played a significant role in the political rise of the Trinamool Congress and the eventual end of Left Front rule in the state.
The syllabus committee has also recommended removing the chapter on the Kanyashree scheme from Class 6 textbooks. The scheme, launched by the previous Trinamool Congress government, was aimed at promoting girls’ education and preventing child marriage through financial assistance.
Full Vande Mataram in Every Textbook
Another significant decision is to print the complete version of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at the beginning of every school textbook.
The move is part of the government’s effort to give greater prominence to national history and cultural heritage in the education system. The quality of paper used for printing textbooks will also be improved, the minister said.
ICT to Become a Structured Subject
The revised curriculum will also introduce Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a structured subject for students from Classes 5 to 8, with a prescribed syllabus.
Third-language textbooks will be introduced for students of Classes 7 and 8 as part of the academic reforms.
The government is also considering withdrawing the no-detention policy up to Class 9. School Education Minister Deepak Barman said discussions on the proposal were underway and a decision was expected shortly.
Political Debate Over Curriculum Changes
The proposed changes have triggered a political debate in West Bengal. Critics have questioned the removal of chapters on the Singur movement and the Kanyashree scheme, arguing that these subjects represent important political and social developments in the state’s history.
Some opposition voices have also described the changes as an attempt to saffronise the education system. However, the government maintains that the revised syllabus will place greater emphasis on Bengal’s history and prominent personalities.
The changes are expected to be implemented from the 2027 academic session, subject to the completion of the necessary approval and textbook preparation process.
