Kolkata, September (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said the state underwent a change at the right time, claiming that Bengal's culture, traditions, heritage and patriotic spirit would have been lost had the previous education system continued for a few more years.

He made the remarks while addressing an event organised by Vidya Bharati, an organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, at Golpark in Kolkata.

Accusing the Communists of obstructing the promotion of the Bengali language, the Chief Minister alleged that during their rule there was a situation akin to restricting English education and that children were also deprived of computer education.

He alleged that the education system during the last 10 years of the previous government was run in a manner that adversely affected the state's culture and traditions.

Adhikari further alleged that attempts were made under the earlier education system to create divisions among children. He claimed that changes were made to words and language in textbooks.

The Chief Minister also alleged that students from Classes 5 to 8 belonging to the Muslim community were provided scholarships, while Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Christian students were denied the same benefit.

He said the people of West Bengal brought about a change at the right time. According to the Chief Minister, had this not happened, there would have been little difference between the state's education system and the Islamic education system in Bangladesh.

Adhikari said that after his government came to power, the state was aligned with the National Education Policy and the complete rendition of Vande Mataram was made mandatory during prayers.

The Chief Minister also praised the role of Vidyamandirs run by Vidya Bharati. He said a target should be set to increase the number of Vidyamandirs in the state to 1,000 over the next year.

He stressed the need to develop a network of Vidyamandirs at the district, block and panchayat levels to achieve the target.

Adhikari said his government would not allow any form of discrimination in educational institutions. He also spoke about restarting the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the state.

The Chief Minister said he had requested Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to open more Sainik Schools in West Bengal. He added that he had also written to the Defence Minister seeking NCC facilities in all schools across the state.

Adhikari said the state government intends to work together with Vidya Bharati to promote Indian education and culture in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh