A “wrong” precautionary advice in a primary school textbook of West Bengal government has sparked criticism and alarm among healthcare professionals. The environmental studies textbook for Class IV students, Amar Poribesh (my environment), mentions outdated and potentially dangerous advice on treating snakebites suggesting the use of bandages, a practice discarded by modern medical science over a decade ago.
The book not only recommends bandaging the wound, but also includes alarming advice to occasionally untie and re-tie the bandage— a procedure that experts warn could have life-threatening consequences.
Renowned herpetologist and government resource person Shuvendu Bagh strongly criticised the textbook content, saying, “This kind of information is extremely dangerous. The national task force on snakebite management banned the use of bandages almost 15 years ago. Bandaging can restrict blood flow, cause gangrene, and lead to misdiagnosis due to swelling.”
Bagh clarified that the modern protocol involves immobilising the affected area with splints, not bandages, and warned against attempting to remove venomous fangs by hand.
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Educators too have expressed serious concern. Kinkar Adhikari, general secretary of the Shikshanuragi Oikya Mancha, said, “Spreading such misinformation can put students’ lives at risk. The curriculum must reflect accurate, updated medical guidelines.”
The controversy has since gone viral on social media, with many demanding immediate correction of the textbook.
In response, Gautam Pal, President of the West Bengal Primary Education Board, admitted to the error and assured that the matter would be taken up in the forthcoming meeting of the syllabus expert committee, scheduled for Wednesday.
Critics argue that while authorities often emphasise a “life-oriented” curriculum, such oversights expose a worrying disregard for student safety and accuracy in education.
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