Did Bengal Lose Rs 10,000 Crore in Central Funds by Not Adopting NEP?
Synopsis
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan claims West Bengal has lost significant central funds by not embracing the National Education Policy. He highlights alarming statistics about teacher shortages and internet access in schools, questioning the state government's education priorities. What does this mean for the future of education in West Bengal?
Key Takeaways
West Bengal has lost Rs 10,000 crore in central funds due to non-implementation of NEP .
The state has a high number of teacher-less schools , nearly 50% of the national total.
Internet access in state-run schools is only 16% , below the national average of 70% .
The BJP aims to prioritize education if elected in 2026 .
NEP emphasizes education in the mother tongue , which in this case would be Bengali .
Kolkata, Feb 14 (NationPress) - Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated on Saturday that the state of West Bengal forfeited central funding amounting to Rs 10,000 crore due to its failure to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).
“Despite numerous appeals, the state government did not adopt the National Education Policy in West Bengal. The NEP emphasizes education in the mother tongue, which would mean teaching in Bengali here. However, the West Bengal government appears resistant to this approach. If the NEP had been enacted, West Bengal would have received additional financing through the Samagra Shiksha Mission,” Pradhan remarked during a teachers’ conference organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata.
Pradhan further accused the West Bengal government of rejecting extra funds that the Union government proposed for Jadavpur University.
While addressing the audience, the Union Education Minister highlighted various statistics to illustrate the decline in the education system of West Bengal during the administration of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.
He pointed out that West Bengal accounts for almost 50 percent of the nation's schools that lack a single teacher. “The highest number of teacher-less schools in India is located in West Bengal, with approximately 4,000 such institutions, representing nearly half of the national total,” Pradhan stated.
He also criticized the West Bengal government for the inadequate internet connectivity in state-run schools, noting that only 16 percent of these schools have internet access, compared to a national average of 70 percent. “If the BJP secures power in West Bengal after the 2026 Assembly elections, significant attention will be directed toward enhancing the education sector,” he affirmed.
Point of View
This situation underscores the importance of implementing unified educational policies like the NEP. The claims made by Union Minister Pradhan reflect significant concerns regarding the educational infrastructure in West Bengal, highlighting the need for proactive governance in education to ensure equitable access for all students.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Education Policy (NEP)?
The NEP is a comprehensive framework aimed at transforming India's education system to increase accessibility, quality, and relevance.
Why did West Bengal lose central funds?
The state government did not implement the NEP, which would have qualified it for additional funding under the Samagra Shiksha Mission.
What are the impacts of not having teachers in schools?
Schools without teachers cannot provide quality education, leading to poor student outcomes and a decline in overall educational standards.
What is the significance of internet access in education?
Adequate internet access is crucial for modern education, enabling access to digital resources, online learning, and global information.
How is the BJP planning to address educational challenges in West Bengal?
The BJP has promised to focus on the education sector if they come to power in the 2026 Assembly elections, aiming to improve infrastructure and teacher availability.
