Central Government has assured West Bengal of its full support for the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made the assurance during a high-level meeting in New Delhi with West Bengal's Minister for Higher and Technical Education Jagannath Chattopadhyay and Minister for School Education Dipak Barman.

The meeting focused on strengthening education infrastructure, expanding central education schemes, and ensuring better implementation of key initiatives across the state.

The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the West Bengal government to improve the quality of school and higher education.

Key Education Schemes Reviewed

During the meeting, both sides discussed the implementation, expansion, and funding of several major education programmes supported by the Union Education Ministry.

The discussions covered:

• Samagra Shiksha Programme
• Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)
• Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN)

Officials reviewed the progress of these schemes and discussed ways to improve their implementation to benefit students, teachers, and educational institutions across West Bengal.

Expansion of PM SHRI Schools

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to expand the network of PM SHRI Schools.

The Centre and the state agreed to establish PM SHRI Schools in blocks that are currently not covered under the scheme. The expansion will also include urban local bodies to ensure more students have access to high-quality education.

PM SHRI Schools are designed to become model institutions that fully implement the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 by promoting modern learning methods, digital education, skill development, and improved infrastructure.

Centre Reaffirms Commitment to NEP 2020

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured the West Bengal ministers that the Central Government would provide all necessary assistance for implementing NEP 2020 effectively across the state.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Education remains committed to strengthening the education sector and supporting reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes, teacher training, innovation, and research.

According to the Ministry, the implementation of NEP 2020 will help create a more flexible, inclusive, and student-centered education system.

Focus on Strengthening Education

The discussions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Centre and the state to improve educational opportunities for students at every level.

Officials stressed the need for better infrastructure, increased funding, improved teaching quality, and greater access to modern educational resources.

The Centre stated that continued collaboration would help achieve the long-term objectives of the National Education Policy and contribute to the overall development of the education sector in West Bengal.

What NEP 2020 Aims to Achieve

The National Education Policy 2020 is India's comprehensive education reform framework aimed at transforming school and higher education.

The policy focuses on:

• Improving the quality of education.
• Promoting skill-based and multidisciplinary learning.
• Increasing the use of technology in classrooms.
• Strengthening teacher training.
• Expanding access to quality education.
• Encouraging innovation, research, and critical thinking.

The Centre believes effective implementation of NEP 2020 will help prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed for the future while making India's education system more globally competitive.