Last Updated: 6 June 2026
West Bengal has recently initiated several policy and administrative measures relating to education, science, public finance, digital governance, and welfare delivery. A key development is the state’s decision to implement the Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, marking a shift in its engagement with certain centrally sponsored education programmes.
The developments come amid ongoing national discussions on school infrastructure, educational access, public expenditure, digital inclusion, and programme implementation. Recent parliamentary reports, government datasets, and audit reviews continue to highlight both progress and challenges across these sectors.
Timeline of Key Developments
|
Status |
Date |
Development |
|
Historical |
2023 |
West Bengal announced its State Education Policy |
|
Confirmed |
21 July 2025 |
Ministry of Education informed Lok Sabha that no funds were released to West Bengal under PM-SHRI and specified Samagra Shiksha components during FY 2024-25 |
|
Confirmed |
March 2025 |
363rd Parliamentary Standing Committee Report tabled |
|
Confirmed |
March 2026 |
377th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report released |
|
Confirmed |
26 May 2026 |
Meeting held regarding expansion of central science and innovation initiatives |
|
Confirmed |
June 2026 |
PM-SHRI Memorandum of Understanding signed |
|
Expected* |
June 2026 |
Submission of state project proposals for funding approval |
*Expected dates remain subject to official confirmation.
PM-SHRI Implementation and Education Funding
The PM-SHRI scheme is designed to strengthen government schools through investments in infrastructure, teacher training, learning resources, technology integration, and school governance systems. The programme aims to support improvements in teaching quality and learning environments.
West Bengal’s participation follows several years of disagreement between the state and the Centre regarding the implementation of certain national education initiatives, including PM-SHRI and aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP).
According to the Ministry of Education’s reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5048 (21 July 2025), no funds were released to West Bengal under PM-SHRI and specified components of Samagra Shiksha during FY 2024-25.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education in June 2026, state authorities began preparing implementation proposals and funding plans.
Proposed Areas of Support
|
Component |
Purpose |
|
School Infrastructure |
Facility and classroom improvement |
|
Teacher Development |
Training and capacity building |
|
Learning Resources |
Academic and digital learning support |
|
School Governance |
Monitoring and management systems |
|
Student Environment |
Improved learning conditions |
Science and Innovation Initiatives
The state and central governments have also discussed expanding science and innovation programmes, including INSPIRE, Vigyan Jyoti, WISE, and KIRAN.
These initiatives seek to encourage participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education while supporting research opportunities for students and women professionals.
Discussions held on 26 May 2026, as outlined in a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, also covered collaborative research on arsenic contamination, cancer treatment, and antimicrobial resistance.
Key Programmes
|
Programme |
Objective |
|
INSPIRE |
Promote scientific talent development |
|
Vigyan Jyoti |
Encourage STEM participation |
|
WISE |
Support women in scientific careers |
|
KIRAN |
Expand research opportunities for women |
Education Infrastructure and Access
Infrastructure and digital access continue to be important concerns across India’s school system.
According to the UDISE+ 2023-24 Report, published by the Ministry of Education and reviewed in June 2026, access to digital resources remains uneven.
UDISE+ 2023-24 School Indicators
|
Indicator |
Availability |
|
Functional Computers |
57.2% of schools |
|
Internet Access |
53.9% of schools |
|
Ramps with Handrails |
52.3% of schools |
The report also recorded a decline in overall student enrolment compared with previous years. Access to quality infrastructure remains particularly important because it influences learning outcomes, digital literacy, and educational inclusion.
Parliamentary and Audit Findings
The 363rd Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (March 2025) and the 377th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (March 2026) examined the implementation of education and welfare programmes.
Among the issues highlighted were:
- Low utilisation of funds under selected schemes.
- Concerns relating to higher education financing.
- The need for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
- Delays in the implementation of certain technology-based initiatives.
Separately, a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of school education in Odisha reported classroom shortages and difficulties in delivering benefits to some eligible children with special needs.
Public Financial Management Reforms
The Union Government has continued implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Single Nodal Agency (SNA) frameworks to improve expenditure tracking and reduce idle fund balances.
Financial Management Measures
|
Initiative |
Intended Purpose |
|
Treasury Single Account |
Centralised public fund management |
|
Single Nodal Agency System |
Improved scheme monitoring |
|
Account Consolidation |
Reduction of multiple implementing accounts |
|
Just-in-Time Payments |
Timely and monitored fund release |
West Bengal has adopted a similar Just-in-Time payment framework for selected centrally sponsored programmes.
Digital Governance and Welfare Delivery
Digital platforms now support property registration, welfare administration, public distribution systems, and election management across the state. Artificial intelligence tools are also being used for beneficiary verification, duplicate record detection, programme monitoring, and research applications.
The long-term effectiveness of these systems will depend on implementation standards, data quality, and institutional oversight.
Reader Safety Advisory
Readers should rely only on official government portals, ministry websites, parliamentary records, and department notifications for updates.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, or banking credentials.
- Verify payment requests through official channels.
- Avoid unofficial agents claiming guaranteed approvals.
- Do not upload personal documents to unverified websites.
Government departments do not seek payments through private intermediaries for approvals under public programmes.
Conclusion
The recent developments in West Bengal reflect changes in the state’s approach towards centrally sponsored programmes in education, science, governance, and public administration. The implementation of PM-SHRI, utilisation of education funding, expansion of research initiatives, and adoption of digital governance systems will be important areas to monitor over the coming months. Readers are advised to follow official government notifications and ministry updates for the latest information regarding programme implementation and funding decisions.
Official Sources Referenced
- Ministry of Education Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5048 (21 July 2025)
- UDISE+ 2023-24 Report, Ministry of Education (reviewed June 2026)
- 363rd Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (March 2025)
- 377th Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (March 2026)
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports
- Paschim Banga Samagra Shiksha Mission documents
- National Informatics Centre (NIC) publications
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is based on official government documents, parliamentary reports, audit findings, and public announcements available as of June 2026. Policies, funding allocations, implementation timelines, and programme guidelines may be revised by the concerned authorities. Readers should verify the latest information through official notifications and government portals. In case of any discrepancy, official government communications shall prevail.