In a significant move to bolster higher education, the West Bengal government has announced a ₹5 lakh grant for each of its 399 government-aided colleges to purchase books and journals for their libraries. This ₹19.95 crore initiative, approved by the Governor, aims to align college resources with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its student-centric Curriculum & Credit Framework (CCF). While larger institutions may find the amount modest, smaller colleges, often constrained by limited budgets, view this as a game-changer to enrich academic offerings and rekindle student interest in libraries.
Key Points:
- ₹5 lakh allocated to each of 399 government-aided colleges.
- Total funding of ₹19.95 crore to support library upgrades.
- Initiative aligns with NEP 2020’s multidisciplinary curriculum.
Addressing the Needs of NEP 2020
The adoption of NEP 2020 in West Bengal, effective since 2023, has introduced a diverse, multidisciplinary syllabus that demands updated resources. The new CCF syllabus includes texts previously absent from university-prescribed lists, posing challenges for teachers and students due to limited library stocks. The ₹5 lakh grant is a strategic response to this gap, enabling colleges to procure essential books and journals to support the curriculum’s focus on skill development and vocational growth.
Key Points:
- NEP 2020’s CCF syllabus requires diverse, updated texts.
- Grant addresses shortage of resources for new curriculum.
- Focus on equipping students with skills for chosen careers.
A Lifeline for Smaller Colleges
While the funding may seem modest for larger institutions, it is a significant boost for smaller colleges that often struggle with financial constraints. These institutions, which form the backbone of West Bengal’s higher education system, can now make critical investments in their libraries without hesitation. The initiative is seen as a vital step to breathe new life into an academic system facing challenges like delayed admissions and student uncertainty.
Key Points:
- Smaller colleges benefit most from the ₹5 lakh grant.
- Funding alleviates budget constraints for library upgrades.
- Supports colleges amid admission delays and academic challenges.
Reviving Library Culture in a Digital Age
The rise of e-books, e-journals, YouTube lectures, and AI-driven tools post-pandemic has shifted student preferences away from traditional libraries. Educators hope this grant will revitalize interest in physical books by updating collections with the latest journals, reference materials, and CCF-aligned texts. Principals like Jaydeep Sarangi of New Alipore College emphasize, “There cannot be better friends than physical books,” highlighting the enduring value of tangible resources.
Key Points:
- Grant aims to counter reliance on digital learning tools.
- Focus on updating libraries with CCF syllabus books and journals.
- Encourages students to re-engage with physical libraries.
Voices from Academia: A Step Toward Vitality
Academic leaders across West Bengal have welcomed the initiative as a much-needed boost. Ayantika Ghosh, principal of Naba Ballygunge Mahavidyalaya, described the funding as a “new lease of life” for an academic system in need of vitality. She noted that the past three years have been challenging due to resource shortages, and this grant will help meet the demands of NEP 2020’s diverse curriculum. The move is also seen as a rare instance where all aided colleges receive simultaneous funding for library enhancements, marking a first in the state’s higher education history.
Key Points:
- Principals praise funding as a revitalizing force.
- First time all 399 colleges receive simultaneous library grants.
- Addresses three-year struggle with resource shortages.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. The not-so-rosy scenario in West Bengal’s higher education, marked by admission delays and student dilemmas, underscores the need for sustained investment beyond this one-time grant. Larger colleges may require additional funding to fully meet NEP 2020’s demands, while ensuring equitable distribution of resources across urban and rural institutions will be critical. Nevertheless, this initiative sets a strong foundation for aligning West Bengal’s colleges with national educational goals.
Key Points:
- Admission delays and resource gaps pose ongoing challenges.
- Larger colleges may need more funding for comprehensive upgrades.
- Initiative lays groundwork for NEP 2020 alignment.
