West Bengal Day programmes compulsory in all educational institutions on June 20: Suvendu Govt

The West Bengal government has directed all government, government-aided and government-sponsored educational institutions to organize special programmes on June 20 to observe Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day). The directive was issued through an order by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department following a Cabinet decision taken on June 3, 2026. District-level celebrations will also be held across the state to commemorate the occasion.

According to the order, schools, colleges, universities, polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other educational institutions must conduct special assemblies and academic activities as part of the observance. The government stated that the objective is to commemorate the rich cultural heritage, history and traditions of West Bengal and mark the legislative act that led to the creation of the state.

The order specifies that educational institutions will organize special lectures, essay competitions, debate competitions and quiz programmes. Universities and colleges have also been asked to conduct academic discussions, while educational materials in Bengali and English will be published. State universities have been directed to establish annual memorial lectures as part of the observance.

At the district level, programmes including cultural festivals, exhibitions, seminars and public outreach initiatives will be organized through libraries, museums and cultural institutions. District-level committees headed by District Magistrates have been constituted to coordinate the celebrations. Ministers, Ministers of State and MLAs from respective districts have been directed to be invited to attend or inaugurate the programmes.