Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting with West Bengal’s Ministers for Higher Education and School Education to discuss measures aimed at strengthening the state’s education ecosystem. The discussions centred on enhancing cooperation between the Centre and the state for the effective implementation of key education initiatives and improving access to quality education.
During the meeting, the Union Minister reaffirmed the Central government’s commitment to supporting West Bengal in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He highlighted the policy’s role in transforming India’s education landscape through multidisciplinary learning, improved institutional quality, skill development, and greater flexibility in academic pathways.
The deliberations also reviewed the progress of several flagship programmes of the Ministry of Education, including Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI Schools, PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan), PM POSHAN, and ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Discussions focused on expanding the reach of these initiatives and ensuring their effective implementation to benefit students across the state.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in modernising school and higher education infrastructure, promoting digital learning, strengthening teacher capacity, and improving learning outcomes. Both sides also explored ways to increase institutional participation in national education reforms while ensuring greater inclusivity and accessibility.
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Senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Government of West Bengal, including Higher Education and School Education & Literacy Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, participated in the discussions. The engagement reflected a shared commitment to advancing education reforms through coordinated policymaking and effective implementation.
The dialogue is expected to contribute to the development of a stronger and more future-ready education system in West Bengal by aligning state-level initiatives with national priorities. The meeting also reinforced the importance of cooperative governance in achieving long-term improvements in school and higher education while preparing students with the knowledge and skills required for a rapidly evolving world.
