West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced a series of initiatives aimed at modernising government schools across the state, which
includes the introduction of smart classrooms, video-based learning resources and improved infrastructure to enhance the quality of education. Speaking at a programme to distribute composite grants to more than 80,000 government and government-aided schools, Adhikari said the state government is committed to implementing reforms in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The grants are jointly funded by the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio, as per PTI reports. The chief minister alleged that government schools had been deprived of these funds over the past three years because of the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's education policies and its neglect of the sector. He said strengthening the education system is essential for the state's overall development and added that the current administration has signed several agreements with the Centre to accelerate education reforms. According to Adhikari, the state's education strategy will focus on foundational learning while incorporating India's heritage and culture alongside experiential and competency-based teaching. He said the reforms will also emphasise critical thinking, creativity, innovation, digital literacy and vocational education.
Modern Learning Through Digital Platforms
As part of the digital transformation, students will have access to high-quality audio-visual learning material through the Paschim Banga Siksha Portal and the PM eVIDYA channel. The West Bengal government also plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Data Science as subjects at the higher secondary level.
The chief minister said that more than 1,200 government and government-aided schools are being equipped with digital learning infrastructure and interactive educational technology, with special attention to schools located in rural and remote areas.
He further announced that approval has been granted to establish Atal Tinkering Laboratories in 1,000 higher secondary schools offering science streams. The state also plans to expand the number of PM SHRI schools, which will function as Centres of Excellence promoting holistic education, digital learning, environmental sustainability, experiential teaching methods and community participation.
Adhikari said the state has earmarked more than Rs 2,000 crore in the current budget for the development of these schools. Reiterating his criticism of the previous government, he claimed that the standard of education had deteriorated under the earlier administration and asserted that the Centre and the state are now working together to improve educational outcomes and strengthen academic standards.
(With Inputs from PTI)
