The Union Education Ministry is set to reach out to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to implement central education schemes following the change in government in these states. According to ministry sources, letters will be sent to the state education secretaries urging them to adopt flagship programs including the National Education Policy's three-language formula, PM SHRI Schools, and the ULLAS adult literacy initiative.
Background of the Move
The decision comes after recent assembly elections in both states resulted in a shift in political leadership. The Centre aims to ensure uniformity in education policies and leverage central funding for school improvement and adult literacy. Sources indicated that the ministry has been monitoring the implementation status and found delays in these states.
Key Schemes to Be Promoted
- Three-Language Policy: Part of NEP 2020, promoting multilingualism with Hindi, English, and a regional language.
- PM SHRI Schools: A centrally sponsored scheme to develop 14,500 model schools with modern infrastructure and pedagogy.
- ULLAS: A scheme for basic literacy and life skills among non-literate adults, targeting 5 crore learners.
The ministry expects that the new governments will cooperate to accelerate the rollout, which has been uneven across states. Officials emphasized that these schemes are voluntary but come with financial incentives and technical support from the Centre.
Reactions and Next Steps
While West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have previously resisted certain aspects of NEP, the Centre hopes for a fresh dialogue. The letters are expected to be dispatched within a week, followed by meetings with state officials. The move is part of a broader push to achieve universal literacy and quality education targets by 2030.
