Kolkata college students claim coercion over 'Namo Seva' play participation

Students at a government college in Kolkata have alleged they were pressured to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva' as part of a larger state initiative. The allegations emerge after the West Bengal government directed state-run higher educational institutions to stage the production and organise associated competitions including drawing and elocution contests.

The college's principal has rejected the allegations of coercion, stating that student participation was voluntary. The directive to colleges forms part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, a government programme focused on community service activities.

The controversy reflects ongoing tensions around how state directives are implemented in educational institutions. While officials maintain the activities are designed to encourage student engagement in social service, some students contend they felt obligated to participate rather than given a genuine choice.

The West Bengal government has positioned the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan as an initiative to promote values of service among the student community. However, the dispute over implementation highlights differing perspectives on how such programmes should be conducted in colleges.