West Bengal Warms to National Education Policy: Centre-State Pact for Big Reforms

In a significant pivot, West Bengal newly formed government is signaling a greater willingness to embrace the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently met with West Bengal Education Ministers, Dipak Barman and Jagannath Chattopadhyay, in New Delhi to chart a collaborative path for implementing the nationwide reforms across school and higher education [2, 3, 5, 7]. This high-level dialogue marks a notable shift from the state's previous resistance to the central policy framework. This newfound cooperation comes on the heels of a change in government in West Bengal in June 2026, which has seen new ministers take charge with a mandate for educational reform and a stated commitment to aligning with central initiatives. Previously, West Bengal had developed its own State Education Policy (SEP) 2023, which diverged significantly from the NEP 2020 on structural elements and regulatory bodies. The discussions focused on expanding key central schemes like PM SHRI Schools, improving Samagra Shiksha, ULLAS, and the MERITE Scheme, while also reviewing higher education reforms under PM-USHA and RUSA to enhance institutional excellence. The Union Minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to providing all necessary support for these transformative changes. Going forward, this meeting sets the stage for a more unified approach to education in West Bengal. Observers will be watching closely for specific timelines and action plans for integrating NEP 2020's provisions, especially regarding curriculum changes and the expansion of central government-backed education programs. The success of this collaborative effort will be crucial for addressing long-standing challenges in the state's education sector, from infrastructure gaps to teacher training, and could significantly impact the academic future of millions of students in West Bengal.