Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya criticized the West Bengal government for obstructing the implementation of various Central government schemes. During a session in the Rajya Sabha, Bhattacharya pointed out that schemes from multiple Central ministries are facing hurdles in West Bengal, affecting citizens, especially those from tribal and minority groups. He specifically questioned the Ministry of Education about the state’s involvement in the Vidyanjali scheme compared to other states.
Bhattacharya highlighted that the West Bengal government has shown little participation in the Vidyanjali scheme, which aims to enhance government and government-aided schools through community and private sector engagement. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary disclosed that out of over 82,000 government schools in West Bengal, only 55 schools are part of the Vidyanjali initiative. This stark contrast to the nationwide adoption of the scheme raises concerns about the state’s approach to educational collaboration with the Centre.
The MP’s remarks underscore the ongoing political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and the Trinamool Congress-governed West Bengal. Allegations persist that the state government is impeding Central welfare programs, leading to citizens missing out on key initiatives in education, health, and development. The Vidyanjali program, designed to promote community engagement in schools, has seen significant success nationwide, with millions of students benefiting from volunteer-driven activities.
Chaudhary’s data reveals a significant disparity in West Bengal’s participation in the Vidyanjali scheme compared to other states, prompting questions about the state’s priorities in educational cooperation with the Central government.
