West Bengal has significantly increased investment in its education sector, bolstering infrastructure at both primary and higher education levels. This strategic financial commitment underscores the state’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce and promoting equitable access to learning, vital for building sustainable, gender-neutral cities and driving long-term socio-economic development across the region.
Addressing the Assocham organised EduMeet 2025, Binod Kumar, Principal Secretary, School & Higher Education Department, detailed the impressive budgetary growth. The school education budget has surged from ₹829 crore in 2010-11 to ₹10,260 crore in 2024-25, while higher education spending has expanded from ₹1,724 crore to ₹6,404 crore during the same period. This substantial financial infusion has directly translated into tangible infrastructure expansion, with the number of universities in the state growing from 12 to 46, including 31 state-run and 15 private institutions.
The expansion extends beyond universities; higher education institutions have nearly doubled from 1,056 to 2,049, and 7,260 new schools have been added, bringing the total to 57,690. This widespread growth in educational infrastructure is crucial for accommodating the increasing student population and ensuring that quality learning opportunities are accessible across urban and rural areas. By providing robust educational foundations, West Bengal is preparing its youth for the demands of a modern, green economy, fostering innovation, and equipping them with skills necessary for sustainable industries.
Furthermore, the state has made commendable progress in enrollment and gender parity. The gross enrollment ratio has grown significantly from 13.24 lakh to 27.22 lakh students, indicating a broader reach of educational services. More notably, the gender parity ratio has improved from 42 per cent to 50 per cent, ensuring equal participation of boys and girls in education. This focus on gender equity in education is paramount for building truly gender-neutral cities, empowering women, and fostering a more inclusive society where all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from urban development.
International collaborations are also playing a role in enhancing the state’s educational landscape. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, highlighted the UK’s strong education ties with India, noting that 1.3-1.4 lakh Indian students received UK student visas last year. Similarly, Kevin Goh, Acting Consul General of Australia, expressed keen interest in collaborating with India not only at the university level but also in vocational, secondary, and skills-based education, citing the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and the MATES scheme as key enablers. Such global partnerships can bring best practices in sustainable education and skill development, preparing students for a future that prioritises environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Ultimately, West Bengal’s significant investment in education infrastructure and its commitment to inclusive growth are foundational to its vision of sustainable urban development. By nurturing a well-educated and equitable populace, the state is laying the groundwork for cities that are not only economically vibrant but also environmentally conscious and socially just, contributing to India’s broader journey towards a zero net carbon and prosperous future.
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