Mamata Banerjee unveils state logo with Biswa Bangla theme
The logo was approved by the Central government on Wednesday.
Kolkata: Unveiling a logo which has given a new identity to West Bengal and its government, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday informed that her government was pursuing the Centre for the change of name of the state from “Paschim Banga” to “Bangla”.
Designed by herself on “Bishwa Bangla” theme, the hallmark has the National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka) with the first alphabet in Bengali font of the word ‘Bengal’ has been printed in the middle. The logo was approved by the Central government on Wednesday.
At the launch of the logo at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Ms Banerjee said, “It is a historic occasion. It is a great and noble thought. For us, it is a day of pride. It is a gift on the New Year. This emblem is of West Bengal government. Many states have their own logo, others do not have it.”
She added, “We have to do it after finding that our state does not have a logo even 70 years after the Independence. It was never thought that each and every state should have its own identity. When it came to our notice, we had set up an expert committee and prepared the design which was sent to the Government of India longback.”
She elaborated, “Two days ago the approval came from the Government of India. This logo will be printed in all government documents including government letterheads.”
On her government’s proposal to change the name of West Bengal to “Bangla” Ms Banerjee spoke about her aim.
She added, “Our next step will be to get the state’s name changed. It is being pursued also. It will be announced when the permission comes.”
West Bengal chief secretary Malay De informed that the government would not require to print the National Emblem separately since it has been incorporated in the logo.
The Trinamul Congress supremo earlier created “Biswa Bangla”, a logo to be used for promotion of the state, its culture and governance.
The symbol however ran into controversy last year after Ms Banerjee’s once-close aide Mukul Roy switched to the BJP.
Showing some documents he claimed that Bishwa Bangla brand was registered in the name of Ms Banerjee’s nephew and party’s Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. who sent him a legal notice. The Trinamul and its government denied his charges.