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Kolkata High Court Expresses Discontent Over Appointment of School Teachers for Census Work

Kolkata, August 19: The Kolkata High Court expressed its dissatisfaction on Tuesday regarding the appointment of school teachers for census work in West Bengal. Justice Krishna Rao, presiding over a single-judge bench, questioned whether the central government consulted the state government before deciding to appoint school teachers for this task. Earlier, the Kolkata High Court ... Read more Kolkata High Court Expresses Discontent Over Appointment of School Teachers for Census Work

Morningstar 19 Aug 2026 3:29 am

West Bengal Minister Accuses TMC of Corruption in Tea Gardens

Kolkata, August 19: West Bengals Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh has recently alleged that during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime, numerous tea garden lands in North Bengal were sold illegally. He claims that the proceeds from these unlawful sales were funneled into the TMC party fund. Ghosh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Siliguri, made ... Read more West Bengal Minister Accuses TMC of Corruption in Tea Gardens

Morningstar 19 Aug 2026 1:55 am

Calcutta HC rejects PIL on loudspeaker order

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 11:51 pm

Snakebite at school

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 11:45 pm

CM Conrad Sangma Announces

Shillong, August 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the deaths of five residents of the state in a fire in West Bengal and announced financial assistance of 2 lakh each to the bereaved families. The victims, including two children, were among eight people killed in a fire at... The post CM Conrad Sangma Announces 2 Lakh Aid For Families of 5 Meghalaya Residents Killed In West Bengal Fire first appeared on Northeast Today .

North East Today 18 Aug 2026 11:06 pm

EKW at 25: A Ramsar site in need of rescue

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 11:03 pm

DH Road widening on cards after inspection by MLA, cops, PWD

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 11:03 pm

Bengal plans tea tourism circuit in Hills

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 11:02 pm

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India holds public finance workshop for 100 West Bengal MLAs

Around 100 West Bengal MLAs attended an ICAI workshop on public financial management and legislative oversight. The session focused on state budgets, government accounting, fiscal responsibility, sustainable financial management and transparency in public spending.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2026 10:24 pm

West Bengal to bring tiger back to Buxa, plant 10 crore trees

West Bengal plans to release a tiger into Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2 as part of efforts to revive the big-cat population in North Bengal under NTCA guidelines. The state also plans to plant three crore mangroves in the Sunderbans between September and December and aims to plant 10 crore trees across West Bengal this year.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2026 10:05 pm

Weather Update: Heavy rain alert in UP, MP and Jharkhand, cyclonic system activated

Weather Update: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned in its weather bulletin released on August 18 that heavy rains will be seen in many states of the country in the next 24 to 48 hours. Due to the impact of the depression on the northern parts of Jharkhand and adjacent Gangetic West Bengal, the weather [] The post Weather Update: Heavy rain alert in UP, MP and Jharkhand, cyclonic system activated first appeared on informalnewz .

informalnewz 18 Aug 2026 10:04 pm

Queries rise for Ayushman admissions

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 9:44 pm

Bengal police reject CJP claim over Bankura death

The West Bengal police rejected claims that a Bankura man died following a rutal physical assault on the father of a CJP activist, saying he had sustained only a minor injury during an alleged attack at his residence and later died after being admitted to hospital following severe blood pressure fluctuations.

Rediff 18 Aug 2026 9:41 pm

L&T Finance eyes Bengal expansion with 26 new gold-loan locations

L&T Finance plans to add twenty-six new locations by March twenty twenty-seven. This expansion aims to deepen its presence in West Bengal's gold-credit market. The company currently operates twenty-eight locations and has a portfolio of Rs one hundred sixty-five crore. West Bengal's gold-loan market is estimated at Rs forty-seven thousand crore. New RBI guidelines aim to create a level playing field for lenders.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2026 8:42 pm

10th day of quizzing for Abhisheks PA Sumit Roy

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 8:26 pm

Saugata Roy faces BJP protest at airport

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 8:13 pm

West Bengal Tourism Minister seeks probe into tea garden land sale, usage during TMC regime

West Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh has alleged that land belonging to several North Bengal tea gardens was illegally transferred and sold during the previous Trinamool Congress government, with the proceeds allegedly diverted to the party fund for elections.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2026 8:13 pm

15 hotels sealed in Tarapith fire safety crackdown

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 8:10 pm

Ritabrata Banerjee Remains Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Amid Legal Dispute

Kolkata, August 18: Ritabrata Banerjee, a former Trinamool Congress MLA expelled from the party, will continue to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The Calcutta High Courts division bench has referred a petition challenging Banerjees appointment back to a single bench. Justices Shampa Sarkar and Ajay Kumar Gupta declined ... Read more Ritabrata Banerjee Remains Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Amid Legal Dispute

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 8:09 pm

Allocation for womens cash transfer scheme to be raised to 48,000 crore: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said the initial budgetary allocation of 36,000 crore would not be sufficient for the cash transfer scheme given the growing number of beneficiaries

The Hindu 18 Aug 2026 7:31 pm

Tragic Fire in Tarapith: 15 Hotels Near Temple Shut Indefinitely

Kolkata, August 18: A devastating fire at the Bidheshini Hotel in Tarapith, located in West Bengals Birbhum district, has claimed the lives of nine individuals. In response to this tragedy, authorities have ordered the indefinite closure of 15 hotels situated near the renowned Tara Temple. Following the fire, police arrested the hotels main owner, Probith ... Read more Tragic Fire in Tarapith: 15 Hotels Near Temple Shut Indefinitely

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 7:14 pm

Kolkata High Court Dismisses Petition Against Public Address System Directives

Kolkata, August 18: The Kolkata High Courts division bench dismissed a petition on Tuesday that challenged the West Bengal polices verbal order to remove loudspeakers and microphones from state mosques. While rejecting the petition, Acting Chief Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee clarified that the court would not issue any orders based solely on ... Read more Kolkata High Court Dismisses Petition Against Public Address System Directives

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 6:40 pm

CID to Investigate Death of Former TMC Councillors Husband in West Bengal

Kolkata, August 18: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has taken over the investigation into the death of Birju Keot, husband of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Jenny Sharma, which occurred while he was in police custody. Following the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged that there was some negligence on the ... Read more CID to Investigate Death of Former TMC Councillors Husband in West Bengal

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 6:10 pm

Bread has become expensive; now you will have to spend more money for breakfast.

Bread Price Hike: The price of bread has increased in West Bengal. Due to rising raw material costs, the new prices, effective August 17, 2026, will impact the budget of daily bread buyers.Bread becomes expensive in West Bengal.West Bengal Bread Price News: If you start your day with tea...

Kalam Times 18 Aug 2026 6:05 pm

'BOSS Scam' busted by Ahmedabad cyber crime branch with Pakistan-China links; over 10,000 devices secured

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has busted a high-profile international cyber fraud network allegedly providing infrastructure and services to cybercriminals based in Pakistan and China. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot said two people have been arrested from West Bengal in connection with the case, while further investigation is underway.The accused have been identified as Imran Ali Piyada and Injamul. Police recovered seven mobile phones from them, including three Android phones and four keypad phones, along with SIM cards and a router.

India TV 18 Aug 2026 5:49 pm

Annapurna Yojona: Voluntarily forgo benefits if, Suvendu Adhikaris unusual request to 3,000 scheme beneficiaries

Payments under West Bengal's 'Annapurna Yojana' started on Monday, targeting 1.45 crore eligible women. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari detailed eligibility, the application process, and highlighted a dedicated portal for assistance to ensure timely payments as part of the BJP's welfare initiatives.

Livemint 18 Aug 2026 5:02 pm

From Puchka to a national QSR: Sagar Daryani-backed Wah! Foods targets Rs. 250 crore revenue by FY30

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 18: Wah! Foods, the company behind Wah! Puchka and Wah! Litti, has outlined plans to achieve 250 crore in annual revenue by FY30 as it builds a nationally recognised Indian street-food QSR platform.

Business Standard 18 Aug 2026 4:40 pm

CJP Team Visits Alleged Attack Victims Family

CJP National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka visited Bankura in West Bengal to meet CJP volunteer Abdul, whose father was allegedly beaten to death. Ranka alleged that Abdul and his family were targeted after he returned from the Jantar Mantar protest and became involved in the groups Fix Our Schools campaign.He further alleged that the family faced repeated attacks and claimed that police failed to provide adequate protection. The allegations have not been independently verified.

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 3:25 pm

Over 4,000 criminal cases against legislators; 326 MPs, 14 CMs face cases

A report on criminalisation of politics submitted in the Supreme Court has stated that 251 members out of 543 in the Lok Sabha and 75 lawmakers out of 233 in the Rajya Sabha have criminal cases against them. The affidavit filed in the apex court by senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, who has been appointed amicus curiae in a PIL seeking expeditious disposal of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, said that there are over 4,000 criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). The affidavit stated that the chief ministers of 14 states, out of 28, have declared criminal cases, including serious ones. According to the data, Telangana CM Anumula Revanth Reddy has 89 cases against him, followed by West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, who has 29 cases, and Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar, who has 19 cases. Hansaria submitted that despite monitoring of cases by the top court and high courts to ensure expeditious trials, the number of pending criminal cas

Business Standard 18 Aug 2026 1:24 pm

Baazar Style Retail locked at 5% upper circuit for 3rd day; here's why

Established in 2013, Baazar Style Retail is a value fashion retailer, based out of Kolkata. It has a strong retail footprint across Eastern India, with a dominant presence in West Bengal.

Business Standard 18 Aug 2026 1:19 pm

False claim, Minor injury: West Bengal Police denies brutal assault of CJP activists deceased father

CJP officials and Sheikh Abdul Hafiz stated that he had been intimidated by some goons backed by the local BJP MLA Nirmal Dhara, since he returned from the CJPs protest in Delhis Jantar Mantar

The Hindu 18 Aug 2026 12:26 pm

Amit Metaliks targets faster completion of 4,000-crore Bengal steel project; eyes jobs for local youth

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone for the company's greenfield integrated steel manufacturing project in Raghunathpur in West Bengal's Purulia district

The Hindu Businessline 18 Aug 2026 11:44 am

Biker narrowly escapes massive landslide in West Bengal's Kalimpong, debris crashes down seconds later

A biker had a narrow escape after a massive landslide sent rocks, mud and debris crashing onto a road in Bindu, West Bengal's Kalimpong district. The sudden collapse left the rider with only seconds to react as the debris came down across the route, leaving little room to move out of its path.

India TV 18 Aug 2026 11:22 am

Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh

Kolkata, August 18: West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has reacted sharply to the Jharkhand governments decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and all tests conducted by TDP. He stated that the government should have made this decision two weeks ago, avoiding unnecessary drama that has troubled students. Ghosh questioned, Why did the Jharkhand government take ... Read more Jharkhand Governments Delay Criticized by West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 11:09 am

Criminal Cases Against Netas: 4,192 Trials Pending, 170 Lok Sabha MPs Face Serious Charges

A 96-page report submitted to the Supreme Court by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria has revealed the scale of serious criminal cases pending against Indias elected representatives. The report says 14 of 28 Chief Ministers face serious criminal cases, with Telanganas A Revanth Reddy topping the list with 89 cases. West Bengal has the highest share of MLAs facing serious cases at 58 percent. As of July 2026, 4,192 criminal cases against sitting and former MPs and MLAs remain pending. The amicus has sought special courts and active High Court monitoring.

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 10:25 am

TMC MP Mahua Moitra moves privilege notice over late-night order to vacate WB circuit house

Mahua Moitra filed a privilege notice against three West Bengal officials. She alleged a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct occurred. Officials asked her to vacate a circuit house late at night on August 14. Moitra stated this was part of a larger effort to impede her duties. She sought the Speaker's protection from intimidation and harassment.

The Economic Times 18 Aug 2026 8:39 am

Health Ministry backs NMC action on work-hour violations

Srinagar, Aug 17:The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed Parliament that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has the power to take action against medical colleges and institutions violating reasonable working hour rules. The statement came in a written reply by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in the Lok Sabha. In response to questions linked to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) case and reports of excessive duty hours, Patel said under the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, NMC can take action against the medical colleges not adhering to work and rest hour rules. In her reply, the Minister stated: Case No 441/90/0/2025 of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was referred to Ministry to submit the action taken report on a complaint dated March 17, 2025. The matter was examined in the Ministry in consultation with National Medical Commission (NMC) and submitted the report to NHRC. It was stated that as per regulation 5.2 (ii) of the PGMER, 2023, All post-graduate students will work as full time resident doctors. They will work for reasonable working hours and will be provided reasonable time for rest in a day. The NMC is empowered to take action against the concerned medical college or institution, as per specified under Regulation 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023. Patel has also clarified the constitutional position, stating that public health and hospitals is a state subject and that the respective state governments or UT administrations prescribe norms for doctors working hours. They are also responsible for setting service conditions and the duty rosters in the concerned institutions. The parliamentary response also addressed the situation at R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The minister said, The incident at R G Kar Medical College, West Bengal was taken up by the Honble Supreme Court of India in SMW (Crl) No 2 of 2024, wherein the court had constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to formulate recommendations for redressal of the issues regarding safety, well-being and working conditions of medical professionals. The report of NTF had been submitted to the court in November 2024. She said that the NMC Anti-Ragging Committee had met on August 14, 2024, to discuss the various aspects of safety and working conditions of medical students and resident doctors. As an immediate step, the NMC issued an Advisory dated August 13, 2024, to all medical colleges and institutions. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Health Services had also directed all Central Government hospitals and institutes, includinbg AIIMS to ensure filing of institutional FIRs within a maximum of six hours in cases of violence against doctors and healthcare personnel. Advisories had also been issued to states and UTs on August 23, 2024, and September 3, 2024, urging a ramp-up of security to medicos, and safer working environments, especially females. The ministers reply is significant in view of the rising incidents of persistent complaints that postgraduate residents in several medical colleges. The medicos have alleged that they are being made to work 80-100 hours a week. This is far beyond what many consider reasonable. A Public Interest Litigation filed by the United Doctors Front in the Supreme Court seeks enforcement of the Ministrys own 1992 directive limiting resident doctors duty to 12 hours a day, and not more than 48 hours a week. The petition had cited the National Task Force report on the mental health of medical students. It recorded over 150 suicides in 5 years. These, as per the PIL were largely linked to work-related stress and sleep deprivation. The Supreme Court had recently adjourned the hearing after the Centres counter-affidavit was not placed on record. The case is listed for 17 September. In J&K, resident doctors at Government Medical College Jammu, Government Medical College Srinagar and other medical colleges have welcomed the ministrys clear restatement. Several postgraduate students described the ministers written reply as an important official acknowledgment. Reasonable working hours and reasonable time for rest, they said, are obligations on the institutions, they said. A resident from GMC Srinagar said, We welcome this statement. What we need now is a transparent, independent audit of actual duty hours, duty rosters and rest periods across all medical colleges in J&K. Only an audit will show how far the ground reality has drifted from the regulations. He urged both the NMC and the J&K Health and Medical Education Department must invoke the penal provisions under Regulations 9.1 and 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023 against non-complying institutions.

Greater Kashmir 18 Aug 2026 5:50 am

Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify

Kolkata, August 18: Ritabrata Banerjee, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has raised concerns regarding the death of Ashish Banerjee. He has also addressed allegations against Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and MP Kirti Azad. In a conversation with a news agency on Monday, Ritabrata Banerjee stated, We are demanding an investigation ... Read more Demands for Investigation into Ashish Banerjees Death Intensify

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 4:45 am

Tragic Fire at Tarapith Hotel Claims Eight Lives, Including Five from One Family

Kolkata, August 18: The death toll from the fire at a hotel in Tarapith, Birbhum district of West Bengal, has risen to eight, according to police reports. Among the deceased are five members of a family from Meghalaya who had come to the sacred city to worship at the Tara Temple. The family was staying ... Read more Tragic Fire at Tarapith Hotel Claims Eight Lives, Including Five from One Family

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 3:35 am

Adolescent Pregnancy: A Major Concern in West Bengal, Says Health Minister Mukherjee

Kolkata, August 18: West Bengals Health Minister, Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee, has highlighted adolescent pregnancy as a significant concern in the state. This statement comes as the BJP-led government in West Bengal marks its first 100 days in power. The state administration is preparing to present its achievements during this period to the public. Dr. Mukherjee ... Read more Adolescent Pregnancy: A Major Concern in West Bengal, Says Health Minister Mukherjee

Morningstar 18 Aug 2026 2:55 am

West Bengal Police deny assault claims after Abdul Hafiz

The News Mill

The News Mill 18 Aug 2026 2:52 am

Hotel fire kills 9 pilgrims in temple town Tarapith

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 1:46 am

Moitra seeks privilege action against officials over eviction

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three senior officials, alleging a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct after she was asked to vacate a circuit house in West Bengal's Krishnanagar late in the night on August 14.

Rediff 18 Aug 2026 1:09 am

No forcible land acquisition, says CM Suvendu Adhikari

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:58 am

5 of a Meghalaya family among 9 killed in Tarapith fire

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:26 am

Afternoon Rallies, Rain Choke Kolkata Traffic

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:24 am

Russa Road Building Balcony Collapses, Man Dies

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:21 am

50-100 mm Rain In 24 Hours Across Kolkata

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:19 am

Audit panel formed to check Tarapith hotels, lodges

The Times of India 18 Aug 2026 12:03 am

App goes offline to help enumerators

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:51 pm

Gang vandalises Tiljala club

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:35 pm

535 buildings out of ban shadow, work resumes

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 11:33 pm

Countdown for Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty

Suhel Seth, Esha Dutta, Rituparna Sengupta, Sundeep Bhutoria, Bickram Ghosh, and Vivek Ojha at the Khuti Puja of Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja, Kolkata Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 17: One bamboo pole for ceremonial worship went into the ground at the Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty premises on Friday evening and with it, north Kolkata []

bhaskarlive 17 Aug 2026 11:33 pm

2 from Bengal picked for central roles in BJP

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 10:22 pm

Abhishek moves SC over delay in rebel MPs disqualification

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 10:16 pm

2 more held in Cong neta, son murders

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 9:46 pm

BJP to take 100-day report card to 4 crore Bengal voters

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 9:43 pm

Cops to probe abetment angle in Asish Banerjee 'suicide

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:55 pm

39 FIRs filed: TMC MLA seeks early hearing in HC

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:41 pm

Strict Action Promised Against Those Responsible for Tarapith Incident: Minister Sukanta Majumdar

Kolkata, August 17: Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar addressed reporters on Monday, discussing various issues, including the unfortunate incident in Tarapith, West Bengal. He stated that the tragedy highlighted the lack of safety measures around hotels during the previous governments tenure. Such incidents should not occur if hotels are equipped with appropriate safety devices. Majumdar assured ... Read more Strict Action Promised Against Those Responsible for Tarapith Incident: Minister Sukanta Majumdar

Morningstar 17 Aug 2026 8:30 pm

Asish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face Scrutiny

Veteran TMC leader and former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee was found dead at a party office in Birbhums Rampurhat. A note recovered from the spot has triggered questions, while Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a detailed probe into whether Banerjee was threatened or blackmailed. Investigators have been asked to verify the notes handwriting, examine mobile phones, call records and messages, and explore his recent political distancing. Adhikari also defended Banerjees clean image while urging investigators to examine every possible angle.

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:25 pm

10 buses kick off Naihati-Joka direct services via Sec V

The Times of India 17 Aug 2026 8:19 pm

5 from Garo Hills among 8 killed in West Bengal hotel fire

Shillong/Tarapith (WB), Aug 17: Five people from Meghalaya, including two children, were among eight persons killed in a fire at a hotel near Tarapith Temple in West Bengals Birbhum district in the early hours of Monday. The deceased from Meghalaya have been identified as Rajendra Nath, Asha Nath, Buran Madak, and their young children, 10-year-old [] The post 5 from Garo Hills among 8 killed in West Bengal hotel fire first appeared on Highland Post .

Highland Post 17 Aug 2026 8:11 pm

Five Meghalaya Residents Killed In Siliguri Fire; MLA A.L. Hek Seeks Clarity From West Bengal Government

Shillong, Aug 17: Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek has expressed deep condolences over the death of five people from Meghalaya in a fire at an industrial park on Sevoke Road in Siliguri, West Bengal, and said he would seek details of the incident from the state government. Hek said he would approach West Bengal Chief Minister... The post Five Meghalaya Residents Killed In Siliguri Fire; MLA A.L. Hek Seeks Clarity From West Bengal Government first appeared on Northeast Today .

North East Today 17 Aug 2026 8:05 pm

West Bengal CM promises Purulia's Junglemahal revamp, jobs and new infrastructure

West Bengal's Chief Minister inaugurated a major drinking water project today. This Japan International Cooperation Agency-assisted initiative will serve over 84,500 rural households. The project aims to provide safe and reliable piped water across five development blocks. It draws water from the Mukutmanipur Reservoir on the Kumari River. This significant milestone strengthens India-Japan development cooperation in the state.

The Economic Times 17 Aug 2026 7:57 pm

CPI(M) demands scrapping of NTA, NEP after errors in NET-UGC papers

New Delhi, Aug 17: The CPI(M) demanded on Monday that the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, be scrapped, saying errors in three UGC-NET papers have once again exposed the entrenched rot in the country's education system. In a statement issued here, the party's Politburo said the latest errors have exposed the NTA's abject incompetence in conducting examinations and reiterated its demand for scrapping the agency as well as the NEP, which it described as the oot cause of the decay in the education system. This disgraceful episode has once again exposed the entrenched rot in India's education system and lays bare the NTA's abject incompetence to hold these examinations, the CPI(M) said. The party alleged that instead of addressing the consequences of the NEP, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates are targeting those who question the education system. Deplorably, instead of remedying the NEP's disastrous consequences, the BJP and its affiliates target those who question the system, it said, while condemning the killing of Janab Mafik, father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal. Mafik died after he was allegedly assaulted at his residence after his son visited a school to record infrastructural gaps. The NTA on Sunday announced a retest for three papers -- English, Commerce and Sociology -- of the UGC-NET that was held in June following complaints of several errors in these papers. The English paper will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 9, while the Commerce paper will be conducted the same day from 3 pm to 6 pm. The Sociology re-test will be held from 9 am to 12 noon on September 10. The NTA conducted the UGC-NET 2026 from June 22 to June 30 across 87 subjects for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), eligibility for assistant professor and admission to PhD programmes. In a public notice, the agency said it had received several complaints about multiple errors in the question papers of the three subjects and formed a committee to look into these issues.

Greater Kashmir 17 Aug 2026 6:09 pm