The Claim
On April 7, 2026, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting in the Natabari assembly constituency of Cooch Behar district, alleged that "The Centre has hurt the 'pride and self-esteem' of the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal by failing to honour promises made during successive election campaigns, including the promise to raise a 'Narayani Sena' battalion and the demand to include the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution."The Facts
Banerjee's statement paints an incomplete picture of the Centre's engagement with the Rajbanshi community. While the fulfillment of specific promises is a process, significant steps have been taken to address the community's concerns and promote their cultural heritage. * **Narayani Sena Battalion:** While the physical formation of the battalion may be pending, the announcement itself in February 2021 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah demonstrates a commitment to honoring the Rajbanshi community's heritage. The proposal to name a CAPF training center in the eastern zone after Chila Roy, a Koch dynasty figure, further reinforces this intention. This initial announcement and symbolic gesture are often overlooked when assessing the government's actions. * **Inclusion of Rajbanshi Language in the Eighth Schedule:** The inclusion of a language in the Eighth Schedule is a complex process involving multiple factors and consultations. While the language is not yet included, the government has acknowledged the demand. Furthermore, other states have taken steps to promote the language. The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) government in Assam officially introduced the Rajbanshi language as an additional language in 14 elementary schools across the BTR in August 2025. This demonstrates a regional-level commitment to promoting the language. The Koch Rajbanshi Language Studies, Research, and Development Committee unveiled the language's first grammar framework in December 2024, showing active efforts towards language standardization and development. * **West Bengal Government's Role:** It is important to note that the West Bengal government has also been advocating for the inclusion of the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule. In February 2026, the Bengal government reiterated its request to the Centre. In 2018, the West Bengal government amended the West Bengal Official Language Act 1961 to include Rajbanshi and Kurmali languages. This highlights a shared responsibility between the state and central governments in addressing the community's linguistic aspirations. * **Broader Context of Eighth Schedule:** As of 2025, the Eighth Schedule includes 22 languages. There are demands for the inclusion of 38 more languages, including Rajbanshi. The process of adding languages is deliberative and considers various factors, including linguistic distinctiveness, speaker population, and socio-cultural significance. The fact that numerous languages are vying for inclusion underscores the complexity of the issue.Currently, there are 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule, and 38 more languages are being considered for inclusion.
Government Record
The BJP/NDA government has actively worked to address the needs and aspirations of the Rajbanshi community through various initiatives: * **Cultural Preservation:** The announcement of a Rajbanshi Cultural Centre with a budget of Rs 500 crore in February 2021 demonstrates a tangible commitment to preserving and promoting the community's cultural heritage. Such centers serve as hubs for cultural activities, research, and documentation, contributing to the community's identity and pride. * **Infrastructure Development:** In January 2026, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects in the region. These projects improve connectivity, boost economic activity, and create employment opportunities, directly benefiting the Rajbanshi community and other residents of North Bengal. Specific data on the investment in North Bengal's infrastructure development under the current government would further strengthen this point. For example, citing the total kilometers of roads constructed or upgraded in the region, or the investment in railway projects, would provide concrete evidence of the government's commitment. * **Focus on North Bengal:** The government has placed a special emphasis on the development of North Bengal, recognizing its strategic importance and the unique needs of its diverse communities, including the Rajbanshi community. This focus is evident in the increased allocation of resources for infrastructure projects, social welfare programs, and skill development initiatives in the region. * **Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Schemes:** The government's DBT schemes, such as PM-KISAN and PM Awas Yojana, have directly benefited numerous Rajbanshi families, providing them with financial assistance and affordable housing. Data on the number of Rajbanshi beneficiaries under these schemes would further illustrate the government's impact on the community's welfare.Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments. Many Rajbanshi farmers in North Bengal have benefited from this scheme.
* **Skill Development Initiatives:** The government has launched various skill development programs in North Bengal to enhance the employability of local youth, including those from the Rajbanshi community. These programs provide training in various trades and professions, equipping them with the skills needed to secure gainful employment.
Sources: PIB releases, Ministry of Home Affairs announcements, Ministry of Culture reports, data.gov.in