The West Bengal Lok Bhavan is set to hold its first essay competition for school, college and university students, offering prizes of up to Rs 1 lakh for the top entries. Students from educational institutions can participate in either English or Bengali by submitting their entries by November 15, 2026. The winners will be felicitated on Republic Day, January 26, 2027.
The prize amounts vary according to the language category and level of education. According to the official Lok Bhavan statement, entries will be evaluated on parameters including depth of research, factual accuracy, originality of thought, analytical depth, coherence and quality of expression.
West Bengal Lok Bhavan Essay Competition Topics and Prizes
Students of Classes 10 to 12 will have to write their essays on ‘Calcutta Massacre, 1946 - Causes and Consequences.’
For college and university students, the topic is ‘Direct Action Day by All India Muslim League - A Fatal Assault on Civilisational Bharat.’
West Bengal Lok Bhavan Essay Competition Prizes
|
Rank |
School Students Prize |
College Student Prize |
|
1 |
Rs. 50,000 |
Rs. 1 lakh |
|
2 |
Rs. 35,000 |
Rs. 75,000 |
|
3 |
Rs. 25,000 |
Rs. 50,000 |
AI-Generated Content Strictly Prohibited
Participants have also been instructed not to use artificial intelligence tools while preparing their essays. The official statement said, “Plagiarism, copying or reproducing material without due acknowledgement, as well as the use of AI-generated content or generative AI tools for writing the essay, have been strictly prohibited,”
The winners will be felicitated on January 26, 2027, during the ‘At Home Reception’ at Lok Bhavan.
Opposition Questions Governor’s Role
The initiative has faced criticism from TMC leader Kunal Ghosh and CPI(M)’s Sujan Chakraborty, who questioned the Governor’s role and accused him of acting in favour of the BJP rather than maintaining a constitutional position.
Ghosh said the Governor’s office should not be used to promote the BJP’s political narrative. Chakraborty stressed that the Governor is expected to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the Constitution is properly followed in the state.
“The main responsibility of the Lok Bhavan is to monitor whether the Constitution is being properly followed in the state. The governor is expected to discharge his duties as a representative of the Constitution,” Chakraborty said.
“If the governor, instead of acting as a representative of the Centre or the Constitution, behaves like a representative of the BJP and tries to promote its political objectives, then questions arise about the relevance of this post,” he added.
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