West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has proposed major school education reforms, including mobile phone restrictions, a possible return of the pass-fail system and educational tablets for Class XI students. (Images: X)
Kolkata: West Bengal’s school education system could see significant changes, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari advocating restrictions on mobile phone use, restoration of the pass-fail system and greater emphasis on Indian history, physical education and extracurricular activities.
Adhikari said mobile phones should not be used in schools and students should receive a stronger grounding in the history of India and West Bengal. However, he clarified that formal decisions would follow consultations with education experts, the syllabus committee and consideration of the National Education Policy (NEP).
CM said restoring the pass-fail system could strengthen academic accountability. His proposal to restrict mobile phones in schools also signals a possible shift towards reducing classroom distractions and encouraging students to focus on learning. Adhikari said several changes could become visible from the next academic year, although the government would not introduce reforms without examining the relevant recommendations.
The government is also examining whether the Rs 10,000 assistance currently provided to Class XI students for purchasing mobile phones could be replaced with educational tablets. Adhikari said the government could consider increasing the financial assistance if necessary to provide devices better suited to educational use. The proposal remains under consideration, and no final decision has been announced.
The chief minister also proposed reviving the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) and Bratachari activities to promote discipline, fitness and social responsibility. He called for music education, including traditional Indian instruments, along with debates, quizzes and extempore competitions. The proposed reforms aim to expand learning beyond textbooks and examinations. Adhikari criticised the previous government’s approach to traditional educational activities and reiterated his intention to implement the NEP.
The proposals could reshape classroom practices in West Bengal, but their implementation will depend on expert recommendations and formal government decisions.
