Primary teacher recruitment to be completed soon: Bengal Education Minister
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) State School Education Minister Deepak Barman on Thursday said the stalled primary school teacher recruitment process would be completed soon. He made the remarks at a press conference at Bikash Bhaban. The Minister also said the next recruitment process would begin once the current process was completed. He said, The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja. The last Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for recruiting primary school teachers was held in 2022. That recruitment process has not yet been completed. Under pressure from several movements, the Trinamool Congress government published the recruitment notification for candidates who passed the TET in 2022 on September 25, 2025. However, even after a year, the recruitment process could not be started. After the notification was published in September 2025, interviews started on December 31. District-wise interviews began in phases from December last year to recruit 13,421 people. The first four rounds of interviews were conducted. Thereafter, on February 27, the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) issued a notification, and interviews for Nadia, Purulia, Bankura, Alipurduar, South Dinajpur, Malda, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts started in the fifth to tenth phases. Meanwhile, interviews for Nadia district in the fifth phase ended on March 19. Although interviews for Purulia district in the sixth phase started on March 23, the Assembly election schedule had already been announced. As a result, questions arose over whether interviews could be conducted during that period. Subsequently, in April, the WBBPE said the Election Commission had written to the School Education Department on March 27 seeking information on the interview process for recruiting primary school teachers. That letter reached the board on March 30, and the board provided the details on the same day. It also explained that the interview process continued even after the election had been announced. However, the primary education board suspended the interview process on April 1. Thereafter, the Assembly elections were held, and a new government was formed. However, the interviews have not resumed yet, triggering fresh debate. When asked about the issue, the Minister said the primary recruitment process underway would be completed quickly and that the government would move on to the next recruitment exercise. Once this recruitment is completed, the TET will be held again based on the vacancies that are created. I have said many times, and I am saying again, TET will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja, he said. Meanwhile, the State Minister said mid-day meals should not be discontinued in any school in the state. A few days ago, reports emerged that mid-day meals had been stopped at a school in the Garia area on the outskirts of Kolkata. Allegations suggested the scheme had been halted due to a lack of funds. Thereafter, the administration intervened and immediately arranged mid-day meals through the district administration. However, several schools in the state still face allegations of various problems related to mid-day meals. Deepak Barman said, We have allocated the funds. The West Bengal government is giving great importance to the PM Poshan scheme.
Cong MP stopped as CP, ABVP clash at Malda College gate
Malda Town Haridwar Pooja Special Express to run for the festive season
Malda Rail Division has been granted the railway connectivity to Uttarakhand, but only till the festive season. In a temporary ... Read more
Centre plans major aviation infra push in West Bengal
AAI, State government to sign MoU next month covering Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Malda and Balurghat, say sources
Man Held For Alleged Obscene Act Against Stepdaughter In Gurugram
A 38-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly committing an obscene act against his 17-year-old stepdaughter. He was traced to Malda district after fleeing following the registration of an FIR under the POCSO Act.
Bengal: ER to set up 131 new chlorination plants for safe drinking water
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) Eastern Railway (ER) will set up 131 new chlorination plants to improve water quality at stations. Like other railway zones, ER has also launched an intensive drive to provide clean drinking water and safe, hygienic food to passengers. As part of this drive, ER is undertaking comprehensive water tank cleaning across all divisions and workshops. According to officials, 6,955 water tanks, including overhead tanks, underground reservoirs and PVC tanks, were cleaned between August 20 and September 23, 2026. While 2,449 water tanks were cleaned in the Asansol Division, 1,464 were attended to in Sealdah Division. In the Howrah Division, 2,123 water tanks have been cleaned. Malda cleaned 919 tanks. All tanks underwent thorough cleaning and proper water treatment to ensure source reservoirs remain free from contamination for the supply of clean water, an official said. A special initiative has also been launched to clinically test water samples collected from taps at various stations to monitor quality. Work on 131 new chlorination plants is underway. This initiative is part of a broader action plan for strengthening drinking-water quality management across the railways. The action plan emphasises frequent inspection and maintenance of the entire drinking-water system, along with water-quality testing at the source and at the point of consumption, rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe water testing. During the drive, the zonal railways will undertake comprehensive inspection of water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and water dispensing points. All drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Measures will also be taken to ensure tight covers and appropriate protection of vents and overflow points from birds, animals and algae, the Railway Board said. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced as required, while ensuring no cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems. All piping forming part of the drinking-water circuit will also be checked for leakages and necessary corrective measures taken to prevent water wastage, it said. Special attention will also be paid to locations where hand pumps and borewells are used to extract drinking water. The zonal railways have been directed to ensure that water from such systems remains free from contamination and is safe for drinking. The zonal railways will also submit station-wise details of deficiencies identified and the corrective action taken. This mechanism will facilitate systematic monitoring of deficiencies and ensure that issues identified during the special drive are addressed in a time-bound manner.
NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
The NIA has summoned TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin for questioning regarding an attack on judicial officials during an inquiry process in Malda, West Bengal. NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
Railways is going to operate 03435/03436 Malda Anand Vihar Pooja Special Express train from a period of October 12th to ... Read more
Special Ticket Inspection Campaign in Bhagalpur-Jamalpur Rail Section Nets 263 Offenders
A special ticket inspection in Maldas Bhagalpur-Jamalpur section resulted in fines for 263 passengers traveling without valid tickets. Special Ticket Inspection Campaign in Bhagalpur-Jamalpur Rail Section Nets 263 Offenders
Essential to examine funding, Mithun Chakraborty supports closure of Bengals unrecognised madrasas
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Actor-turned politician Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to don the role of policymaker (Cultural Advisor) in Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, supported the administrations clampdown on the unaided and unrecognised madrasas across the state, citing concerns over national security as a valid reason. Mithun, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, justified the notice for closure of more than 250 madrasas and also notices to 100 others across the state, stating that it was essential to examine their funding patterns and whether that was serving the right purpose in these minority institutions. Mithuns remarks come a day after Bengal government issued closure notices to 252 unapproved madrasas and issued show-cause notice to 100 others while it reviews the Islamic educational institutions in the state. Speaking on the matter, Mithun Chakraborty said, When we talk about madrasas, there must be someone behind them who is funding and running them. Whether that money is being used for the right purpose or the wrong purpose will become clear now. It is very important for the country's security that we pay close attention to this matter and examine it very strictly. He also said that the matter was not taken seriously under previous dispensations and can't be ignored any longer because it concerns the security of our nation. According to reports, the majority of 252 madrasas facing closure belong to the Khariji sect. At least 44 of these are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. The show-caused madrasas must produce valid authorisation, or they will be shut down, according to Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu. A survey was carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across Kolkata and 22 other districts to examine the madrasa management systems, student organisation enrolment, funding sources and registration status. Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also defended the governments action on the madrasas, stating that the rise in radicalisation in border areas was an alarming signal and it was state governments responsibility to stop anti-national activities, taking place in backdrop of madrasa education.
UCC essential for unity, integrity, security of nation: Bengal Minister backs implementation
Digital Desk | Newtown, Sep 14 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying the process should begin in the state and subsequently extend to others. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said the UCC was necessary to strengthen the nation's unity, integrity and security. Absolutely, the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented in the country, starting with Bengal, our state, and then in other states. It is essential for the unity, integrity, and security of the nation, he said. His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029. We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, HM Shah said at a press conference in Mumbai. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religious affiliation. Ghosh also commented on the West Bengal governments action against madrasas, saying institutions operating without the required permissions should not be allowed to function. Anything illegal, whether madrasas or restaurants, cannot operate outside the law without government permission. The government is scrutinising everything, and any unauthorised establishment will be closed. To operate, they must get government permission, he said. The remarks came after the state government issued closure notices to 252 madrasas as part of a review of Islamic educational institutions. Show-cause notices have also reportedly been issued to around 100 other madrasas during the first phase of the verification exercise. Reports suggest that most of the 252 institutions facing closure are associated with the Khariji sect. Among them, 44 are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had ordered a statewide survey in June to ascertain the number of recognised and unrecognised madrasas operating in West Bengal. Ghosh praised Indias hosting of the BRICS Summit and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership for elevating the countrys role on the global stage. The BRICS summit held in India reached a high level under Prime Minister Modis leadership. Indias hospitality charmed everyone, paving the way for a new world order in business and global politics, he said. Ghosh added that issues such as human security and financial security should remain among the key priorities.
Blackberrys expands UP retail footprint with new store in Varanasi
Blackberrys, one of Indias leading menswear brands, has strengthened its retail presence in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new store at Maldahiya in Varanasi, taking its network in the state to 62 stores across 39 cities.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari reviews Malda flood, erosion and rail subsidence issues
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Bengal native arrested in Hyderabad with 91 gram heroin
Hyderabad: A man from West Bengal was arrested for drug peddling in Hyderabad on Thursday, September 3, and 91 gms of heroin worth Rs 9 lakh was seized from him. The accused was identified as Anu SK, a native of Malda district, who allegedly brought heroin in bulk from West Bengal, made small packets in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Watch: 31 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Bengaluru sent to West Bengal for deportation
Thirty-one Bangladeshi nationals detained from different parts of Bengaluru have been sent to Malda in West Bengal as part of the deportation process under Bengaluru Polices Operation Muktha against illegal immigration.
31 Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Bengaluru to Malda
Kolkata, September 2: A group of 31 Bangladeshi migrants recently arrested by police in Bengaluru has been transported to Malda district in West Bengal. Currently, this group is being held at a temporary detention center near the Bangladesh border. Legal procedures for their return to Bangladesh have commenced, and they are expected to be handed ... Read more 31 Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Bengaluru to Malda
Illegal Immigrants Held in Bengaluru Shifted to Malda Detention Centre
After reaching Malda early Wednesday morning, they were handed over to the local police and lodged at the Karma Tirtha Holding Centre
How Bengal's Malda turned Census digital enumeration into a people's campaign
How Bengals Malda turned Census digital enumeration into a peoples campaign
Op Muktha: 31 Bangladeshis moved to Bengal for repatriation
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police has moved 31 Bangladeshi nationals identified during a special verification drive to Malda in West Bengal as part of the process to deport them to Bangladesh. The individuals were taken from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) railway station in a specially arranged coach. Twenty police personnel have been deployed as an Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
India Expresses Deep Condolences Over Nepal Flood Tragedy
Malda, August 28: Indian leaders have expressed profound sorrow over the devastating flood tragedy in Nepal. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated, This is a very tragic situation. Nepal is our neighboring country, and our brothers and sisters live there. The Government of India stands with them in full sympathy. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari added that ... Read more India Expresses Deep Condolences Over Nepal Flood Tragedy
PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
Kolkata, August 28: Central Education State Minister Sukanta Majumdar announced on Thursday that the PM Shri School project will soon be launched in West Bengal to enhance the education system. The school will be established in Malda district. Majumdar made this announcement during the inauguration of the new building of the Central School located in ... Read more PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
10 newborns die in a day at Bengal's Malda Medical College; govt seeks report
newborns die in a day at Bengals Malda Medical College govt seeks report
Two TMCP workers arrested for tearing Swami Vivekananda
Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) Two activists of Trinamool Congress student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), have been arrested for allegedly tearing up a poster with Swami Vivekanandas picture and also kicking that poster publicly at a college in Malda district of West Bengal. Recently, a video clip went viral on social media, where the three []
Mangaluru police team to take 21 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to Malda on Sunday
SC comes to rescue of 105-yr-old murder convict
New Delhi: A 105-year-old murder convict will now be able to live as a free man after the Supreme Court on Friday, August 21, closed the case against him and waived the remaining period of his life sentence, taking into account his age. Born in 1920 in West Bengals Malda district, Rasik Chandra Mondal was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Eastern Railway Inspects Food Stalls at Key Stations in West Bengal
Kolkata, August 20: Officials from Eastern Railway conducted surprise inspections of licensed food stalls at major stations under their jurisdiction. The inspections at Howrah, Sealdah, and Malda Town stations aimed to ensure adherence to food quality and cleanliness standards. Uday Shankar Jha, the Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Eastern Railway, led a comprehensive inspection alongside ... Read more Eastern Railway Inspects Food Stalls at Key Stations in West Bengal
Bengal: ER inspects food stalls at Howrah, Sealdah and Malda town stations
Kolkata, Aug 20 (IANS) As the government stresses food safety and hygiene, Eastern Railway (ER) officials conducted surprise inspections at licensed stalls at major stations under its jurisdiction. Inspections were conducted at the Howrah, Sealdah and Malda Town stations to ensure strict adherence to food quality and hygiene. At Howrah, Uday Shankar Jha, principal chief []
Malda Medical College security manager arrested on guard's repeated rape charge
Malda Medical College security manager arrested on guards repeated rape charge
Major Drug Bust in Malda: Police Seize
Kolkata, August 12: A significant attempt to smuggle drugs in the Kaliachak area of Malda district, West Bengal, was thwarted by police. Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Kaliachak police station seized nearly three kilograms of brown sugar early Wednesday morning and arrested two traffickers. According to officials, the estimated value of the seized ... Read more Major Drug Bust in Malda: Police Seize 4 Crore Worth of Brown Sugar, Two Arrested
Protests Erupt After Death of Minor in Malda Hospital Due to Alleged Negligence
Kolkata, August 11: Protests broke out on Tuesday at a hospital in Malda district following the death of an eight-year-old girl, allegedly due to medical negligence. The girl, who had been suffering from fever for two days, was brought to the hospital when her condition worsened. Her family claims that Dr. Soumen Saha, who was ... Read more Protests Erupt After Death of Minor in Malda Hospital Due to Alleged Negligence
Major Cough Syrup Smuggling Ring Busted in Kolkata, 2.40 Crore Seized
Kolkata, August 3: A significant crackdown on a cough syrup smuggling operation has taken place in the Malda district of West Bengal. Authorities seized a substantial amount of cash and gold from the residence of a local trader in the Manglahat area. According to sources, three cash counting machines were used to tally the seized ... Read more Major Cough Syrup Smuggling Ring Busted in Kolkata, 2.40 Crore Seized
Rs 2.5 crore in cash seized during probe into cough syrup smuggling racket in West Bengal
Police seized approximately 2.5 crore rupees in cash from a Malda flat. This raid followed an investigation into a banned cough syrup smuggling racket. A small quantity of gold and several electronic devices were also recovered during the operation. Investigators suspect the money is connected to the illegal trade in banned cough syrup. Further inquiries are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
A Hindu group plans to install a Shiva Lingam near the Adina Mosque in Malda. This action reignites claims that the mosque stands on temple ruins. The group seeks legal permission for installation within the protected monument. The Archaeological Survey of India officially recognizes the site as a mosque. Security has been increased around the monument amid the renewed controversy.
Bengal Border Force Jawan Kills 2 Colleagues. Was Punished For Firing In 2025
A BSF jawan opened fire at Malda camp, killing two soldiers and injuring one colleague.
Shocking Shooting Incident at BSF Camp in Malda Claims Two Lives
Kolkata, July 24: A tragic shooting incident occurred at a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Baishnabnagar, Malda district, on Thursday. A soldier opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of two fellow personnel. The accused has since been arrested. According to BSF sources, two soldiers lost their lives, and another was critically injured. Reports ... Read more Shocking Shooting Incident at BSF Camp in Malda Claims Two Lives
BSF Soldier Opens Fire in Malda Camp, Two Colleagues Dead
Kolkata, July 23: In a shocking incident on Thursday, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier opened fire at a camp in Baishnabnagar, Malda district, resulting in the deaths of two fellow soldiers. The accused has been arrested following the incident. According to BSF sources, the shooting claimed the lives of two soldiers, while another individual ... Read more BSF Soldier Opens Fire in Malda Camp, Two Colleagues Dead
West Bengal's Malda launches participatory planning drive in border villages
Malda district administration has launched 'Amar Gram Amar Kalpana' for border villages. This initiative promotes community-led development and resident involvement in planning. Villagers shared their needs and suggestions during interactive sessions with officials. The program aims to gather community inputs for need-based development plans. This aligns local aspirations with national priorities for border settlements.
Four Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh return homeafter one-year legal battle
The group, which included two minors, languished in Bangladesh forover a year before it returned home; it came back through the international border in Malda district
Bengal: Malda mango exports touch 10 tonnes in one week; 100-tonne shipment expected this season
Malda district in West Bengal has successfully exported 10 tonnes of premium mangoes to West Asia and Italy in the past week, with expectations to surpass 100 tonnes this season. Varieties like 'Amrapali', 'Vrindawani', 'Fazli', and 'Aswina' are being shipped, thanks to scientific orchard management and adherence to international quality standards. This initiative is boosting growers' income and expanding market access for these prized fruits.
Anti-Terror Agency Arrests Congress Leader In Malda Judge Harassment Case
Chowdhury, a former Congress candidate from the Mothabari Assembly constituency, was taken into custody after prolonged questioning at the agency's Kolkata office.
NIA Arrests Local Leader in Malda for Judicial Officials Kidnapping Case
New Delhi, June 25: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a local leader in Malda district, West Bengal, in connection with the kidnapping of judicial officials during pre-election protests in April. Sayem Chowdhury, also known as Babu Chowdhury, was taken into custody after interrogation at the NIAs branch office in Kolkata. So far, the ... Read more NIA Arrests Local Leader in Malda for Judicial Officials Kidnapping Case
NIA Arrests Local Leader in West Bengal Judicial Officials Hostage Case
New Delhi, June 25: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a local leader in Malda district, West Bengal, in connection with the hostage-taking of judicial officials during a Special Intensive Review (SIR) process. Officials reported this development on Thursday. The agency detained the accused, identified as Sayem Chowdhury, also known as Babu Chowdhury, after ... Read more NIA Arrests Local Leader in West Bengal Judicial Officials Hostage Case
NIA arrests local political leader over SIR-related violence in West Bengal
Sayem Chowdhary alias Babu Chowdhary, a political leader from Mothbari (Malda), was taken into custody by an NIA team after he was questioned at the agency's branch office in Kolkata, an NIA statement said.
RPF Rescues Three Minors in Major Operation at Barharwa Station
Maldah, June 24: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully rescued three minors during a significant operation named Operation Nanha Farishte at Barharwa Railway Station. The children were found wandering alone in suspicious circumstances within the station premises. Thanks to the vigilance of the RPF, they were safeguarded from potential danger and handed over to ... Read more RPF Rescues Three Minors in Major Operation at Barharwa Station
Shrachi Rarh Tigers win Bengal T20 League title over Malda
Asked to bat, Rarh Tigers posted a formidable 165 for four in the reduced quota of 15 overs. In its rain-interrupted innings, Malda scored 97 for five in nine overs to fall short of the revised target by nine runs
Shrachi Rar Tigers Clinch Bengal Mens T20 League Title
Kolkata, June 22: Shrachi Rar Tigers showcased an impressive performance to win the title of Season 3 of the Bengal T20 League. In a rain-affected final at Eden Gardens, they defeated Sobisco Smashers Malda by 9 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis rule. Due to rain, the match was reduced to 15 overs for both teams. Batting ... Read more Shrachi Rar Tigers Clinch Bengal Mens T20 League Title
Dark spots on Bengal's Himsagar mangoes cast shadow on export shipment
Bengal's famous Himsagar mango exports face uncertainty. Dark spots, caused by rain and high temperatures, have appeared on the fruits. This disease makes them unsuitable for international markets. Exporters were preparing for shipments to the US. Despite this setback, demand for premium Malda mangoes remains strong. Efforts are underway to find unaffected fruits for export.
NIA chargesheets 31 in Malda SIR obstruction cases
The National Investigation Agency has filed chargesheets against 31 individuals. These charges relate to road blockades and the illegal detention of judicial officers in Malda. The incidents occurred ahead of the assembly polls. The NIA's investigation established coordinated unlawful assemblies and obstruction of government officials. The accused disrupted law and order through their actions.
NIA Files Charges Against 31 Accused in Malda Government Disruption Case
Malda, June 2: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken significant action in Malda district, West Bengal, regarding cases of road blockades and unlawful detention of judicial officials prior to the elections. The agency has filed charges against a total of 31 accused in four separate cases related to this matter. The charge sheet was ... Read more NIA Files Charges Against 31 Accused in Malda Government Disruption Case
