CM Mamata halts semester system proposal for Primary schools

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has put an immediate stop to the proposed introduction of a semester system in primary schools, rebuking Education Minister Bratya Basu for proceeding with the plan without her prior approval. In a strongly worded statement, Mamata clarified that no new policy in the education sector would be implemented without her knowledge or consent.

"I did not know about this, nor did the Chief Secretary. Bratya, you are the Education Minister, but remember, in case of new policies, I need to be informed first," said the Chief Minister during a public address. Mamata expressed her displeasure with how the semester system was announced without adequate consultation, asking, "How did this come to paper? I do not want to hear excuses. Four advisors decided, and now it’s done? That’s not how it works."

The Chief Minister emphasized her commitment to reducing the academic burden on young students. "Reduce the burden of children, reduce their bags. Children are already under too much pressure. Will first and second-graders take semesters? Schools are not colleges. What is appropriate for schools will be implemented."

This intervention comes just days after Gautam Pal, the Chairman of the Primary Education Board, announced the introduction of the semester system in a press conference on December 27. Mamata’s announcement puts the decision on hold indefinitely.