Mamata blames media for Bengal negative image

Delivering speech on the occasion of Teachers’ Day celebrations, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the state is a victim of negative propaganda.

Tearing into a section of media, which painted the government in a negative way after the corruption charges at different levels, especially after the multi-crore Saradha ponzi meltdown scam, WB CM said, “Bengal is going through a dark phase. A section of media is running malicious smear campaign against Bengal.”

“Earlier the media  held the mirror to the society. But sadly, the media is not performing its duty now,” she added.

She alleged that some people are only harping on the negatives.

"This is not the culture of Bengal. We have to be positive and constructive."

She said, “One rotten fruit corrupts the whole branch. Get rid of it. It is your duty to uphold what is right.”

Mamata said, “We do not engage in malicious propaganda and character-assassination. We lead our lives with head held high.”

Giving reactions on the recent attacks on her government against incidents related to Trinamool-led student union’s high-handedness in different institutions of the state, Mamata said, “It is not right to attack all schools/colleges in general for one stray incident happening at one place.”

During this T-Day speech, Mamata Banerjee wished the students a bright future.

She said, “I wish the students present here all the best. May your future be bright.” She said that the teachers are the backbone of the country. They build the society. They teach the citizens of tomorrow. The duty of teachers is not only to impart textbook-education but to impart the philosophy of life.

According to CM, “Through education, the culture of the society is created. Education creates human beings. We must focus of character-building.”

Mamata said, "Bengali students are shining everywhere - from NASA to Asha. The credit goes to the teachers. I firmly believe the students sitting here will make Bengal proud one day. They are our future. The teachers must guide them.”

Addressing students who were present in the function, Mamata said, “Teachers deserve the same respect like our parents. Bengal led the renaissance in India. Bengal will lead India again. We will live with our heads held high.”

“We have started Sikkha Shree scheme for SC/ST students. We have initiated Kanyashree scheme for girls,” she added.

In this occasion she highlighted the achievements of State Government in education sector.

She said, “There were only 38 colleges in Bengal till 2011. In the last 3 years we have set up 31 colleges. 8 new universities have been set up in the last years. 2 more are in the pipeline.”

“43 ITIs have been set up and 35 are coming up. Polytechnic colleges are coming up in every sub-division. We are bringing all B.Ed and M.Ed colleges under one umbrella - West Bengal University for Teachers' Training & Education,” she added.

CM gave away “Siksha Ratna” awards to outstanding teachers.

Earlier, WB CM went into confrontation with the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government regarding the Teachers’ Day celebrations.

The Centre had issued circular to all states stating to instruct all schools to make arrangements for Prime Minister’s live interaction with students available to them on Friday.

But Mamata Banerjee-led State Government refused to abide by the Centre’s diktat and arranged separate function.