Three languages from Class 1 Bengali now compulsory

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that teaching three languages in all state schools right from Class 1 will enable students to reach regional, national and international standards. State education minister Partha Chatterjee had announced on Monday night that students in Bengal will have to study three languages from Class 1, with Bengali being compulsory.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ms Banerjee wrote, “If the student chooses Bengali, Hindi, English, Urdu, Gurmukhi, Nepali, Alchiki as a first language, he or she may opt for two other languages of his/her choice. One of the three languages will have to be Bengali. The two other choices are completely dependent on what the student chooses. This method will enable them to reach regional, national and international standards.”

Reiterating that Bengal respects all languages from all states, the chief minister wrote in a further post, “Bengal respects all languages and languages of all states. Our three-language formula shows how we really do... India is a vast country, and the strength of our nation is unity in diversity. We must respect every mother tongue and also give every regional language its importance. We believe in the freedom of choice and the three-language formula.”

Students will have the freedom to take any language of their choice as a first language, second or third language.