Dharmendra Pradhan meets WB Education Ministers, discusses NEP implementation and reforms
New Delhi, July 2
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with West Bengal Education Ministers Dipak Barman and Jagannath Chattopadhyay to discuss the implementation of the National Education Policy, strengthening school education, and advancing higher education reforms in the state.
During the meeting, Pradhan said West Bengal plays a crucial role in India's education landscape and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to rejuvenate the sector under the NEP 2020 framework. He added that the Centre and the state would work together to strengthen both school and higher education systems.
He also highlighted partnerships with leading institutions, including Visva-Bharati, IIM Calcutta, IIEST Shibpur, IIT Kharagpur, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Kolkata, IISER Kolkata and NIT Durgapur, to drive educational transformation in the state.
The discussions also focused on expanding PM SHRI Schools, improving the implementation of Samagra Shiksha, ULLAS and the MERITE Scheme, and ensuring greater access to quality education in underserved regions.
The meeting further reviewed higher education reforms under PM-USHA and RUSA, aimed at enhancing institutional excellence and aligning education with youth aspirations.
"We also discussed strengthening school education through expansion of PM SHRI Schools, effective utilisation of Samagra Shiksha, ULLAS and the MERITE Scheme, and ensuring greater access to quality education in underserved areas," Pradhan said.
He added, "Also deliberated on advancing higher education reforms through PM-USHA and RUSA, promoting institutional excellence and preparing a roadmap aligned with the aspirations of Bengal's youth."
Pradhan further said the government is committed to building an inclusive and future-ready education ecosystem.
Speaking to reporters, he said that since the change in government in West Bengal, discussions on education reforms have intensified and funding for innovation and holistic education would be increased.
He said, "By expressing confidence in Prime Minister Modi, the people of Bengal have given a massive mandate for change. Those who held the reins of governance in Bengal were unable to fulfil the hopes of Bengal's people..."
West Bengal Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay stated that the state government will work in coordination with the Centre to improve the education system, while Dipak Barman said Bengal's education sector has suffered in the past and assured full cooperation to stabilise and strengthen it going forward.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see cooperation, but let's not forget that education is a state subject. The Centre should provide funds without too much interference. Bengal's education system has its own strengths, like the emphasis on vernacular medium and cultural education. Hope NEP implementation doesn't dilute that.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The previous government in Bengal did neglect education in some areas, especially in the districts. If PM SHRI Schools and Samagra Shiksha reach the underserved regions, it'll be a game-changer. But need to see actual spending and outcomes, not just meetings.
As a parent in Kolkata, I'm happy to hear about RUSA and PM-USHA. Our higher education institutions need better infrastructure and research funding. But the political tone in Pradhan's comments about 'mandate for change' feels unnecessary. Let's keep education out of politics, please. 🙏
The focus on collaboration with IITs and IISER is great, but what about the millions of students who don't get into these elite institutions? We need to improve basic school education in rural Bengal first. NEP's 5+3+3+4 structure can work if properly funded. Let's see the roadmap.
I work in education policy, and this is a positive step. The ULLAS scheme for adult literacy and MERITE for minority education are often overlooked. Bengal has a diverse demographic, and inclusive policies are key. Just hope the implementation is transparent and corruption-free. 🤞
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