Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Bengal Plans 23-Day Public Service Campaign for Modi’s Birthday
West Bengal is planning a 23-day programme connected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
It will begin on Thursday and continue until October 10.
The programme will include lamps, drawings, essays, plays, exhibitions and public-service activities.
Students, families, beneficiaries and government workers are expected to take part.
One lakh lamps will be lit beside the Hooghly in Calcutta.
Anganwadi centres will discuss nutrition, health and welfare schemes.
An airport campaign will also focus on helping passengers and improving services.
Some teachers say the government should focus on problems such as shortages of teachers instead.
West Bengal will hold the 23-day Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from Thursday through October 10.
The campaign marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17 and his 25 years in government.
Activities include lamp lighting, student competitions, exhibitions, performances, beneficiary outreach and innovation events.
One lakh lamps are planned along the Hooghly in Calcutta, while schools, colleges and madrasas have been asked to participate.
Some teachers criticized the programme as a publicity exercise, citing teacher shortages and other pressing concerns.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, government departments, students, beneficiaries, airport officials and citizens are involved; the campaign is linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- A 23-day Seva Sankalp Abhiyan featuring public-service activities, citizen engagement, cultural programmes and innovation events.
- When
- It begins on Thursday, includes Modi’s September 17 birthday, and runs until October 10; an innovation event is tentatively planned for October 9.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including schools, colleges, madrasas, anganwadi centres, public spaces and Calcutta airport; one lamp event is planned along the Hooghly.
- Why
- The government says it aims to reinforce public service, increase citizen engagement and bring government schemes and welfare services closer to people.
Government and Supporters’ View
Critics’ View
Purpose of the campaign
Government and Supporters’ View
The government describes the programme as a way to reinforce public service, strengthen citizen engagement and bring welfare initiatives closer to people.
Critics’ View
Some teachers describe it as a publicity overdrive or public-relations exercise rather than a necessary government activity.
Role of schools and students
Government and Supporters’ View
Officials want schools, colleges and madrasas to encourage participation through competitions, performances, exhibitions and other activities.
Critics’ View
A government-aided school teacher said authorities should instead address more urgent educational problems, including teacher shortages.
Public-service focus
Government and Supporters’ View
Organisers say activities will cover beneficiary outreach, nutrition, health, airport services, innovation and citizen storytelling.
Critics’ View
Critics question the emphasis on a birthday-linked campaign while saying pressing governance issues require greater attention.
- Campaign
- Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
- Duration
- 23 days, beginning Thursday and ending October 10
- Occasion
- Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17 and his 25 years in state and central governments
- Major event
- One lakh lamps are planned along the Hooghly in Calcutta
- Participants
- Students, youth, beneficiaries, citizens, start-ups, professionals and innovators
- Innovation event
- Seva First Innovation Challenge, with a state-level event tentatively scheduled for October 9
- Airport programme
- Yatri Sewa Abhiyan 2026 will focus on passenger experience, accessibility, safety and service quality