Mamata Banerjee unveils West Bengal government official emblem

Howrah, 5 January: The official emblem of West Bengal was unveiled by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday. The emblem designed by her features the Ashoka Pillar.

“We had to do this (create the State emblem) 70 years after Independence because it has never been thought of before. No one here thought that every State should have its individuality,” the Chief Minister said during the ceremony to unveil emblem at the State Secretariat Nabanna. She also said that the West Bengal government received the Centre’s approval for the emblem on 3 January.

Describing the occasion as “historic”, the Chief Minister said that henceforth the State emblem can be used in all the official work and documents of the State government. “We will use the emblem in all the official documents and work of the State government after issuing notification from today. But executing the process in all the departments will take some time,” Mamata said.

"Some States have their own emblem and some don't. When it came to our notice, an expert committee was set up and the design was sent to the Centre for approval. It took quiet sometime but better late than never," said Mamata. The design was sent for Central approval in May 2017.

As for changing the name of the State, the Chief Minister said that it will be announced as soon as the Centre approves it. "We have also sent a request to the Centre about changing the name of the State. Discussions are being held and as soon as we get the official approval we will announce it," she said. Her Cabinet decided in September 2017 that the State's name will be Bangla in all the languages. ■ Photos: Special Arrangement