West Bengal Needs Urgent Revamp of Higher Education to Restore Its Past Glory

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: West Bengal Finance Minister Shri Swapan Dasgupta called for a comprehensive overhaul of the higher education system in the state to align it with evolving socio-economic and technological changes on 28th June 2026 in Kolkata.

Addressing the 34th Annual General Meeting of the All Bengal Principals’ Council (ABPC) in Kolkata, Dasgupta stressed the urgent need to revive the glory of institutions like Calcutta University. He recalled West Bengal’s rich legacy in higher education and urged universities to attract talented students and faculty from across India. The minister acknowledged challenges such as declining enrolment in several courses and high dropout rates. He assured that the newly installed government would collaborate closely with principals, administrators, and educationists to transform the university landscape in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “Quality education will play a pivotal role in India’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision and Viksit Bengal journey,” Dasgupta indicated. He emphasised strengthening the core of the education system, eradicating corruption, and achieving national standards through greater accountability and discipline. Earlier, floral tributes were paid to Bharat Mata and distinguished educationists Sir Ashutosh Mookherjee and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookherjee.

Calcutta University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asutosh Ghosh highlighted the need for compassion, empathy, and trust in faculty-student relationships, particularly for students from marginalised backgrounds. He advocated regular student feedback mechanisms. Welcoming the gathering, ABPC Convenor Shri Pankaj Kumar Roy noted Calcutta University’s historical influence stretching from Lahore to Yangon. A large number of women principals attended the meet. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Roy was unanimously elected President of ABPC, while Dr. Sreekumar Roy of Rishi Bankim Chandra College was elected Secretary. A 40-member Executive Committee was also constituted.