Bengal’s Role Key to India’s Independence: West Bengal CM

Rapid Summary

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the alleged targeting of Bengali speakers, stating, “there would have been no independence without Bengal.”
• she highlighted that 70% of freedom fighters imprisoned in the Cellular jail in Andaman were from Bengal,with their names displayed at the alipore Museum.
• Banerjee referred to an incident where a family was reportedly denied accommodation in Noida for speaking Bengali and emphasized the importance of respecting all languages.
• A PIL was filed before the Supreme Court regarding alleged harassment and unlawful detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers. the court has directed states and the Union government to respond by August 25,2025.
• At a Kanyashree Dibas celebration, she shared that 93 lakh girls have benefited from the Kanyashree scheme since its inception. It provides cash assistance for education and aims to prevent child marriage among girls aged 13-18 years.
• West Bengal observes one of the highest rates of child marriages nationally. A Lancet study (2024) noted west Bengal accounted for around 15.2% of India’s total cases.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The statements by CM Mamata Banerjee highlight ongoing debates about linguistic identity amid reports of discrimination faced by Bengali speakers in other states.This raises questions about cultural unity within India’s diverse federal structure and suggests a need for fostering mutual respect across regions.

The Kanyashree scheme’s success demonstrates targeted policy action benefiting education access for underprivileged girls while countering entrenched issues like child marriage.Though, given west Bengal’s high proportion (15%) among national child marriage cases per recent data, further focus on social behavior change alongside financial incentives could enhance outcomes.

addressing state-level disparities while ensuring dignity for linguistic minorities remains vital to upholding both inclusion and fraternity as constitutional principles.

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