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A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal’s academic circles after books penned by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were included in the state’s official school library list. The School Education Department has dispatched a list of recommended books — divided into five sets — across 23 districts, with several titles authored by the Chief Minister making their way into the collection.

 

Notably, the list includes literary works such as ‘Maa’ and ‘Kathanjali’, both written by Banerjee. According to sources at Bikash Bhavan, out of over 500 books listed for procurement, at least 90 bear the Chief Minister's name as author.

 

In total, ₹20.26 crore has been disbursed to 2,026 secondary and higher secondary schools across the state. Each school has received Rs 1 lakh specifically earmarked for the development of their libraries. Clear directives have been issued to the school inspectors that book purchases must strictly adhere to the prescribed lists.

 

Also read: Bangladesh High Commissioner meets Mamata

 

The distribution of the five book sets has been organised geographically— set one targets eight districts including five in North Bengal, while sets two through five are allocated across the remaining districts, covering the western region, Dakshin Dinajpur, Kolkata and other parts of the state.

 

However, this decision has raised eyebrows of many among the teaching profession. Several teachers are questioning the logic of including such a large number of books written by a sitting political leader in school libraries using public funds.

 

Also read: TMC clinches victory in Kaliganj bypoll, BJP trails behind

 

“The decision to include the Chief Minister’s books so prominently raises concerns about purpose,” said a senior teacher from a south Kolkata school. Another teacher asked, “Can the author of the books be chosen merely based on political stature?”

 

As of now, the state government is yet to come up with official clarification on decision. The issue has ignited a debate on the politicisation of Bengal’s education and the autonomy of school curricula.