Govt to sign MoU with British Council to promote exchanges

Kolkata: The state government is going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with British Council to promote cultural, educational and skill development exchanges between Britain and Bengal.

Expressing her happiness over the matter, Chief Minister Mamata banerjee tweeted: "I am happy to share with all of you that British Council and Govt of West Bengal are going to sign a MoU to promote cultural, educational and skill development exchanges between Britain and Bengal."

Among the salient features under the MoU are celebration of Durga Puja in the UK during Thames Festival, hosting of a River Festival in Kolkata similar to the Thames Festival in the UK, exchanging visitors between the UK and Bengal for cultural exchanges, collaboration on skill development, communication in English and overall enhancement of employability of the youth.

She further tweeted: "I had raised these issues during my visit to the UK, after which Baroness Usha Prashar, Member of the House of Lords and Global Deputy Chairperson of British Council, had come to Kolkata to take the initiative forward."

It may be mentioned that the state government has taken a slew of measures to attract foreign tourists. A grand carnival is organised on Red Road to see off Durga idols before immersion and some of the best idols are preserved at a museum in Eco Park.

Heritage walks are being organised regularly by private tour operators in North and Central Kolkata and the walks have gained immense popularlity among foreign tourists. The state government is also planning to introduce tea and religious tourism to woo global tourists.