West Bengal will implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the central government's PM-SHRI Scheme. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this decision on Thursday in Kolkata. The move follows discussions with education policymakers.
The adoption of these policies is expected to unlock delayed central education funds. These funds are to be released within the current fiscal year. CM Adhikari stated that this adoption will modernize schools. It will also improve transparency and infrastructure.
The new plan aims for modern classrooms and digital labs. It will also introduce updated curricula. This will help students compete globally. Political barriers are removed. Funds will quickly address basic facilities and teacher training. This move standardizes education across West Bengal.
Major Reforms Planned
The state government has outlined reforms for 81,000 schools. These include infrastructure upgrades. Solar panels will be installed. Electric fans will be in all classrooms. Safe drinking water will be provided in vulnerable districts. These districts include Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia, and Jhargram.
Mid-Day Meals and Hygiene
The Mid-Day Meal scheme (PM POSHAN) will shift to clean cooking using gas. Cooking expenditure per primary student will increase. It will rise from ₹6.78 to ₹10. This change takes effect on August 1 .
Sanitary pad dispensers will be installed in girls' schools. Advanced water purifiers will also be provided. This addresses hygiene measures.
Teacher Appointments
Teacher recruitment will become merit-based. This aims to curb corruption. A Chief Secretary-rank officer will oversee recruitment. The process will follow SC, ST, and OBC reservation rosters. The state plans to withdraw an OBC reservation petition. This will allow the appointment of 12,000 teachers.
