Kolkata, May 18 (IANS). Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced the launch of ‘Vivekananda Merit Scholarship’ for meritorious students and said the education system of West Bengal will now function in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Addressing the felicitation ceremony organized for the top students of secondary and senior secondary examinations at Dhano Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata, the Chief Minister outlined his government’s plans for comprehensive reforms in the education system of the state.
He said that the newly formed government has already decided to implement the National Education Policy in the state and stressed that financial barriers will not be allowed to come in the way of higher education for deserving students.
According to the official, as part of efforts to modernize the education infrastructure of the state, the government has set a target of bringing at least one school in each block under the PM Shri project.
He said that smart schools, smart classrooms, modern laboratories and advanced libraries will be developed through modernization of government educational institutions.
Expressing concern over the condition of government schools, the Chief Minister said that although almost 90 per cent of the common people in the state depend on the government education system, it still lags behind private institutions in terms of infrastructure and competitiveness.
He said that hence the present government is laying special emphasis on improving both the infrastructure and quality of education in government institutions.
The Chief Minister also gave a message to the private educational institutions running in the state. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in admission and evaluation processes, citing government support towards private educational initiatives. He said that while collecting fees, do not create difficulties for common families.
The Chief Minister said his government would give priority to removing political influence from educational institutions and providing greater autonomy to universities.
He also assured that a proper educational environment will be created through adequate participation of teachers in schools and colleges.
–IANS
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