No student should face problem with admissions in Bengal: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday instructed state Education minister Partha Chatterjee and senior officials of his department to ensure that not a single student in the state is denied admission in colleges across the state.

"You should ensure that no student faces problem in securing admission in the state. Admission in colleges will be strictly on the basis of merit and marks secured in the last examination. All students may not get admission in the top institutions, but every single student who wants to continue his/her studies should get the opportunity to do so. Prepare a package so as to include all students in colleges," Banerjee said at a felicitation programme of the toppers of Madhyamik, Higher Secondary, ICSE, CBSE and ISC examinations at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Banerjee reiterated that there were 12 universities in Bengal till 2011, but 28 new universities have been set up in the last eight years. She added that another 11 are in the pipeline. "Eight new medical colleges have been set up. 2,000 medical seats have been increased, among which 550 have gone up this year," she pointed out.

Education minister Partha Chatterjee, who spoke just before Banerjee, said that admission is no longer a worry in the state as it used to be earlier, with the increase of 40,000 seats in the undergraduate level.

Banerjee urged the toppers to join civil services in order to "serve the society and the people". "You may have different ambitions. I would urge you to join the civil services so that you can serve the people and the society. We have set up a new IAS training institute in Salt Lake," she said.

After her address, she interacted with the toppers and said that some of them have expressed their eagerness to join civil services. She directed the officials of the Education department to provide the address of the training institute to the students from next year.

She advised the students to be respectful and dutiful to their parents and teachers, who have contributed to their success. "Parents sacrifice half of their lives for placing you in good stead and so it should be your responsibility to stand by them when they grow old. Teachers are like our guardians. They also play an important role in shaping your career. They feel proud when you perform well. You should always respect them," Banerjee said, urging them to return to their homeland if they opt for higher education in foreign countries.

Banerjee cautioned the students against allowing their mind and brain to be affected by negativity and anger. "Be what you wish to be. Always be happy. Watch movies for recreation but don't watch films that deal with violence," she added.