Government of West Bengal
Information & Cultural Affairs Department
Nabanna (9th Floor)
Howrah – 711 102
No. 2966-ICA(N) Dated: 10 June, 2026
ORDER
Pursuant to the Cabinet decision No 28 dated 3rd June 2026 of the Govt. of West Bengal, it has been decided to observe Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) on the 20th June 2026 in the State in all districts headquarters and all educational institutions in a befitting manner to commemorate the rich cultural heritage, history and traditions of West Bengal to mark the occasion of the legislative act leading to the creation of the State West Bengal
The principal objective is to create and sustain public awareness regarding the history of Bengal and the partition of Bengal within India. It also aims to foster greater interest, a sense of responsibility, spirit of fraternity, brotherhood and unity thereby strengthening social cohesion and collective identity towards heritage culture and legacy of West Bengal. Accordingly, the following instructions are issued:
(a) District-Level Observance-
A district-level programme shall be organized in every district which will include-
(i) District observance, cultural festivals, exhibitions and seminars.
(ii) Public outreach programme through libraries, museums and cultural intuitions. For effective planning, coordination and implementation of the programme a District Level West Bengal Day Celebration Committee in each district is hereby formed with the following composition:
- District Magistrate – Chairperson
- Superintendent of Police/ Commissioner of Police – Member(s)
- Additional District Magistrate – Member
- Chief Medical Officer of Health – Member
- District Education Officer/ District Inspector of Schools – Member
- Municipal Commissioner of Corporation/ Executive Officer of Municipalities – Member
- District inspector of Schools (Secondary)/ (Primary) – Member
- MPs/ MLAs to be nominated by the District Magistrate – Member(s)
- District Information & Cultural Officer – Member-Secretary
Ministers/ MOS(IC)/ MOS from the districts and MLAs should invariably be invited to inaugurate/ attend programme being organized by the districts.
(b) Educational Institutions
All Government/ Government-aided/ Government Sponsored schools, colleges, universities, polytechnics, ITIs and other educational institutions shall organize special assemblies to observe Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) on 20th June, 2026 in a befitting manner which will include-
(i) Special Lectures in universities and colleges
(ii) Essay, debate and quiz competition in schools and higher educational institutions
(iii) Publication of educational material in Bengali and English
(iv) Establishment of annual memorial lectures in State universities
This order shall come into effect immediately.
Chief Secretary to the
Govt. of West Bengal