Bengal Government and ADB Forge Rs 4,648 Crore Partnership for Educational and Child Welfare Upgrades
In a significant move to bolster education and child development, the West Bengal government has entered into a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for projects totaling Rs 4,648 crore. The state cabinet approved this initiative on Thursday, with ADB providing 70% of the funding and the state contributing the remaining 30%.
Comprehensive School Modernization Plan
State Education Minister Bratya Basu outlined the ambitious plan to upgrade and modernize secondary schools across Bengal. The project targets 430 state-aided schools, with one school selected from each block and two from each of the 87 backward blocks. The goal is to make these institutions more attractive to young students by enhancing their infrastructure and educational offerings.
The upgrade includes constructing new buildings and equipping smart classrooms with advanced digital facilities. Basu emphasized that laboratories, libraries, and toilets will be built with modern amenities, and ramps will be installed to ensure accessibility for specially-abled individuals. Additionally, kitchens for mid-day meals will be improved under this scheme.
Focus on Bilingual Education and Vocational Training
To cater to the growing demand for English-medium education, the state government plans to recruit teachers specifically for English instruction. Basu explained that schools will offer instruction in both English and Bengali, aiming to attract more students. The initiative will also introduce vocational courses and bridge course programmes to enhance learning opportunities.
Schools will be selected based on reports from district inspectors and district magistrates, with some upper primary schools also slated for upgrades. Headmasters will be tasked with overseeing school development, and regular evaluations will be conducted to support the teaching process. These pedagogical shifts are designed to make learning more engaging and effective for students.
ICDS Centres to Receive Major Boost
State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya announced that ADB aid will be used to upgrade 50,000 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres at a cost of Rs 2,148 crore. The state exchequer will contribute Rs 644.4 crore as its share. Bengal currently has 1.9 lakh ICDS centres manned by 2 lakh anganwadi workers, whose allowance was recently increased by Rs 1,000.
Bhattacharya noted that while ICDS is a central scheme, it has faced insufficient funding, prompting the state to intervene. The ADB support will enhance facilities to create a better environment for pre-school children who rely on these centres for food and nutrition. Capacity-building programmes for workers and supervisors will also be implemented to improve professionalism.
The state government will begin processing the project within a month, with an estimated completion timeline of five years.
Potato Procurement Initiative to Support Farmers
In a separate decision, the Bengal government announced it will purchase 12 lakh tonnes of potatoes at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 9.5 per kg to prevent distress sales. Panchayat Minister Pradip Majumdar stated that this measure addresses surplus production of the "Jyoti" variety this season.
The government will buy up to 3,500 kg from a single farmer, a step it has taken on five previous occasions. Majumdar attributed the bumper crop to favorable weather conditions that prevented blight disease, which typically occurs in high-moisture environments. He noted that while there is no embargo on exports, falling prices in other states have made farmers reluctant to sell their produce elsewhere.
