West Bengal government has announced its own State Education Policy for 2023, declining some of the aspects of the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020.Many states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also declined to adopt the NEP 2020 in its entirety.
Highlights of the West Bengal Education Policy
Continuation of 5+4+2+2 Pattern
- The state will maintain the existing 5+4+2+2 pattern for school education.
- This structure begins with one year of pre-primary education, followed by four years of primary education (up to class 4), four years of upper primary education (class V to VIII), two years of secondary education, and finally, two years of higher secondary education.
- The NEP suggests transitioning to a 5+3+3+4 school system, where Class 9-12 is considered a continuum offering students subject choices, is declined by the state government.
Three-Language Formula
- The policy recommends the introduction of a three-language formula for students in classes V to VIII.
- The first language, referred to as the “mother tongue,” will be the medium of instruction.
- For example, in Nepali-medium schools, Nepali will be the medium of instruction, Santhali in Santhali-medium school, and similarly for other languages and mediums.
- The second language can be English or any language other than the first language, depending on the student’s choice.
- The third language can be any language chosen by the student, different from the first and second languages.
Introduction of ‘Bangla’ as a Subject
- Bangla will be introduced as a subject from Class I to Class XII for students in schools with languages other than Bangla as the medium of instruction.
- However, it is not recommended as a first language.