The West Bengal government has decided to prohibit teaching and non-teaching staff in government-run and government-aided schools from participating in political activities. This announcement was made by School Education Minister Deepak Barman on Thursday, following a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. The new regulation aligns West Bengal with several other states that have implemented similar restrictions on school staff.

Barman stated that the rule prohibiting political engagement among educational staff was already in effect in various other states prior to this decision. He emphasised that this move aims to ensure that educators remain focused on their primary responsibilities without external political influences.

When questioned about the possibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) establishing a teachers’ cell in West Bengal, Barman responded that the matter would be discussed further. This indicates that the government is open to dialogue regarding the political affiliations of educational staff while maintaining the new restrictions.

Accountability Measures for Teachers Under Consideration

In addition to the political activity ban, the government is reportedly contemplating the introduction of a teacher accountability system in primary schools, which could be implemented in the next academic year. Under this proposed framework, teachers’ performance may be directly linked to their annual salary increments and promotions.

Barman explained that teachers would be required to account for the academic progress of their students. For instance, if a significant number of students fail to achieve basic reading skills or demonstrate insufficient academic improvement, the teacher would need to justify the situation. This approach aims to enhance the overall quality of education by holding educators responsible for their students’ learning outcomes.

The minister further elaborated that teachers would need to provide explanations for why their salaries should be increased in the following year, especially in cases where students do not show improvement. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to elevate educational standards in the state.

Proposed Changes to Teaching Structure and Assessment

The West Bengal government is also exploring a restructuring of the teaching model at the primary level. One of the proposals includes having a single teacher instruct all subjects within a primary class, rather than appointing different teachers for each subject such as Bengali, English, geography, and mathematics. This change is intended to streamline the teaching process and enhance student learning.

Moreover, the government is considering the reintroduction of the pass-fail system in schools, which could significantly alter the current assessment methods used to evaluate students’ academic performance. This potential shift aims to provide a clearer understanding of students’ educational achievements and areas needing improvement.

Barman also mentioned plans to appoint at least 13,000 new primary school teachers in the near future, which would help reduce the student-teacher ratio to approximately one teacher for every 20 students. This move is expected to improve the educational environment at the primary level and address the existing challenges in the secondary education system.

Overall, the government’s proposed measures encompass restrictions on political activities, increased accountability for teachers, modifications to the teaching structure, and enhanced recruitment efforts. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of education in West Bengal.

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