In a significant policy shift following the change of guard in West Bengal, newly appointed minister for mass education extension and library services, Gouri Shankar Ghosh, announced on Thursday that the state's public libraries are set for a comprehensive makeover. Books written by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be removed from the shelves.
Books to be removed
Several books authored by Banerjee, including her children's book Epang-Opang-Jhapang, will be taken off the shelves to make way for literature that promotes nationalist thought. Ghosh emphasized that public libraries would prioritize educational utility over political prints.
Minister's statement
Assuming charge on Thursday, Ghosh stated, "Unnecessary books by Mamata Banerjee, such as Epang-Opang-Jhapang, will no longer remain in libraries. Any books by the former chief minister that do not contribute to students' learning will be removed from library shelves."
Policy direction
The move marks a clear departure from the previous administration's approach. The new minister aims to ensure that library resources align with educational and nationalist values. This decision has sparked discussions on the role of political figures' works in public institutions.
