Archive · 21 Jul 2026
West Bengal to boost higher education
The West Bengal government has announced a budget of Rs 7,168 crore for higher education in 2026-27.
They plan to attract well-known universities to set up facilities in the state and ensure that education is not turned into a commodity.
The government will introduce a scholarship named after Swami Vivekananda for students going abroad and provide financial support to girl students for their higher education.
The BJP government criticizes the previous TMC government for setting up universities without proper infrastructure and teachers.
The CPI(M) argues that the number of colleges increased under TMC rule, but the real picture is dismal with unregulated fee hikes in private colleges.
The government aims to increase the remuneration of qualified lecturers and take action against those who do not meet the minimum qualifications.
West Bengal government presents a budget of Rs 7,168 crore for higher education in 2026-27.
Plans to attract well-known universities to set up facilities in the state.
Introduction of Swami Vivekananda scholarship for students going abroad.
Financial support of Rs 50,000 for girl students to complete higher education.
BJP government criticizes previous TMC government for setting up universities without proper infrastructure.
- Who
- West Bengal Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, CPI(M) MLA Md Mostafijur Rahaman, BJP MLA Samarendra Nath Ghosh, Jamuria MLA Bijan Kumar Mukherjee
- What
- Budget proposal for higher education, plans to attract private universities, scholarships, and infrastructure improvements
- When
- Budget presented for 2026-27
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To improve higher education infrastructure, attract private participation, and ensure affordable education
BJP Government's Perspective
CPI(M) and TMC's Perspective
Private Participation in Education
BJP Government's Perspective
The BJP government supports private participation in education but ensures it does not commodify education. They plan to attract well-known universities to set up facilities in Bengal.
CPI(M) and TMC's Perspective
The CPI(M) criticizes the politicization of college management under the previous TMC government, which they claim severely affected the higher education system.
Infrastructure and Quality of Education
BJP Government's Perspective
The BJP government claims they inherited a 'rotten' higher education system with many universities lacking basic infrastructure and teachers.
CPI(M) and TMC's Perspective
The CPI(M) argues that the number of colleges and universities increased under TMC rule, but the real picture is dismal, with unregulated fee hikes in private colleges.
- Budget Outlay
- Rs 7,168 crore for 2026-27
- Scholarship
- Swami Vivekananda scholarship for meritorious students going abroad
- Girl Students Support
- Rs 50,000 in installments for higher education
- Gross Enrollment Ratio
- 26% (below national average of 30%)
- New Women's Colleges
- 6 women's colleges proposed