Amtala, Murshidabad

The area around Amtala is a rich agricultural area, which is somewhat cut off from the outside world. The nearest railway station is around 23 km away and buses for Baharampur few and far between. The population is largely Muslim and education particularly amongst the girls was not encouraged. They were married off early. The social reformation started with the setting up of Amtala High School, a co-educational institution. However, the conservative community was not eager to send the girls to such a school, post class VIII. The young girls continued to be married off early. With the help of a few liberal intellectuals, the forward-looking section of the population established a girls’ school, Anandaoni Balika Vidyalaya. Very slowly the education of girls was promoted and more and more people were getting convinced about the need for girls’ education. The next hurdle was a college. The nearest college was 22 km away. Jatindra Rajendra Mahavidyalaya was started in 1986 with 36 students, one third of them being girls.[1]

Jatindra Rajendra Mahavidyalaya was established in 1986 at Amtala. Guru Prasad Biswas and Birendranath Biswas made a handsome contribution, and the college was named after the fathers of both the donors. The land was provided by Amtala High School. Affiliated with the University of Kalyani, it offers honours courses in Bengali, English, Arabic, history, philosophy, political science and education.[1][2]

Amtala High School was established in 1919. It is a coeducational institution up to 12th class.

Amtala Anadamani Balika Vidyalaya was established in 1972. It is a girls’ school up to 12th class.

Amtala Rural Hospital functions with 50 beds.[3]