15 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Union and West Bengal Education Ministers Clash Over NEP Implementation

Dharmendra Pradhan accuses West Bengal of losing funds by not implementing NEP.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the West Bengal government for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), claiming the state lost ₹10,000 crore in Central funds. He stated that the NEP promotes education in the mother tongue, which in West Bengal would be Bengali.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu refuted the charges, stating that the State Education Policy (SEP) adopted in 2023 incorporates acceptable aspects of the NEP and is more advanced. Basu emphasized that education is on the concurrent list, empowering the Bengal government to follow its own policy.

Key Facts

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized West Bengal for not implementing the NEP.

Pradhan claimed West Bengal lost ₹10,000 crore in Central funds.

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the State Education Policy (SEP) incorporates acceptable aspects of the NEP.

Basu emphasized that the SEP is more advanced than the NEP.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education

Connects to syllabus topics on education policy, federalism, and center-state relations

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on policy impact

In Simple Words

The central government wants all states to follow the same education plan, called the National Education Policy (NEP). West Bengal's education minister says they already have a better plan. Because West Bengal isn't fully following the central plan, the central government says the state missed out on money.

India Angle

In India, education is managed by both the central and state governments. This means states can make their own rules, but the central government can encourage them to follow national policies by offering funds. This situation affects how schools are run and what kids learn in different states.

For Instance

Think of it like a building society. The main office sets rules for all branches, but each branch can adapt some rules to fit local needs. If a branch doesn't follow enough of the main rules, it might not get extra funds for improvements.

This matters because the quality of education kids receive can depend on whether the state and central governments agree on the best way to run schools. It affects what they learn and their future opportunities.

Education disagreements between the central and state governments can impact students and school funding.

Visual Insights

NEP Implementation Dispute: Key Figures

Highlights the financial and policy aspects of the disagreement between the Union and West Bengal Education Ministers regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).

Central Funds Lost by West Bengal: ₹10,000 crore

More Information

Background

The National Education Policy (NEP) in India has a historical context rooted in the need for educational reforms to align with the changing needs of the country. Previous education policies, such as the 1968 and 1986 policies, aimed to address various challenges in the education sector. The NEP seeks to create a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education. Over the years, the education system has evolved through various committees and commissions that have recommended changes. The Constitutional Amendment in 2002, which added Article 21A, made education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years. This amendment underscored the importance of education in the country's development. The NEP builds upon these foundations, aiming for a more comprehensive and inclusive education system. Education in India is a subject on the Concurrent List of the Constitution, meaning that both the Union and State governments have the power to legislate on it. This division of power allows states to tailor educational policies to their specific needs and contexts, while the Union government provides overall guidance and funding. The NEP aims to strike a balance between national standards and state autonomy. The implementation of the NEP involves significant financial implications, with the Union government allocating funds to support various initiatives. However, the actual disbursement and utilization of these funds often depend on the cooperation and compliance of state governments. Disagreements between the Union and states, as seen in the West Bengal case, can hinder the effective implementation of the policy.

Latest Developments

The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) has faced varied responses from different states in India. Some states have embraced the policy and are actively working towards its implementation, while others have expressed reservations or are adopting a more cautious approach. This divergence in implementation strategies reflects the diverse socio-economic and political contexts across the country. Ongoing debates surrounding the NEP include discussions on the role of the Union government versus the states in shaping educational policies. Institutions like NITI Aayog are involved in providing recommendations and monitoring the progress of the NEP's implementation. The effectiveness of the policy will depend on the ability of the Union and states to work together and address the concerns of all stakeholders. Looking ahead, the success of the NEP will depend on several factors, including adequate funding, effective teacher training, and the development of relevant curriculum. The government has set targets for achieving various milestones under the NEP, such as increasing the gross enrollment ratio in higher education and improving learning outcomes at all levels. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these targets are met and whether the NEP can transform India's education system. Challenges in implementing the NEP include addressing the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, and overcoming resistance from vested interests. The way forward involves fostering greater collaboration between the Union and states, promoting innovation in education, and empowering local communities to participate in the decision-making process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the disagreement between the Union and West Bengal Education Ministers regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) important for UPSC aspirants?

This disagreement highlights the challenges in implementing a national policy in a federal structure, a key aspect of Indian Polity. Understanding the perspectives of both the Union and State governments is crucial for answering questions related to Centre-State relations, education policy, and cooperative federalism in both Prelims and Mains.

2. What are the key arguments made by the Union Education Minister regarding West Bengal's non-implementation of the NEP?

The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has criticized West Bengal for not implementing the NEP, claiming the state has lost ₹10,000 crore in Central funds. He also emphasized that the NEP promotes education in the mother tongue, which in West Bengal would be Bengali.

3. What is West Bengal's justification for not fully implementing the National Education Policy (NEP)?

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu stated that the State Education Policy (SEP), adopted in 2023, incorporates acceptable aspects of the NEP and is more advanced. Basu emphasized that education is on the concurrent list, empowering the Bengal government to follow its own policy.

4. How does the 'Concurrent List' in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution relate to the NEP implementation debate?

The Concurrent List allows both the Union and State governments to legislate on matters related to education. This means that while the Union government can formulate the NEP, the State governments have the autonomy to adapt and implement it according to their specific needs and priorities, as highlighted by West Bengal's adoption of the SEP.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of states having the autonomy to create their own education policies, as seen in West Bengal's SEP?

Benefits include tailoring education to local needs and cultural contexts. Drawbacks include potential inconsistencies in educational standards across the country and challenges in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. This is a good topic for the UPSC interview.

6. What is the significance of the ₹10,000 crore figure mentioned in the context of the NEP implementation disagreement?

The ₹10,000 crore figure represents the central funds that the Union Education Minister claims West Bengal has lost due to its non-implementation of the NEP. This highlights the financial implications of states choosing not to align with national policies and raises questions about Centre-State financial relations.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: 1. It recommends that the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, be the mother tongue/local language/regional language. 2. It aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035. 3. Education is exclusively under the domain of the Union Government as per the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of mother tongue/local language/regional language as the medium of instruction, especially in the early years of schooling. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The NEP 2020 aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Education is on the Concurrent List of the Constitution, meaning both the Union and State governments can legislate on it. The West Bengal Education Minister emphasized this point in the news.

2. Which of the following best describes the term 'Concurrent List' in the Indian Constitution?

A.A list of subjects under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government.
B.A list of subjects under the exclusive jurisdiction of the State Governments.
C.A list of subjects on which both the Union Government and the State Governments can legislate.
D.A list of subjects on which only the Supreme Court can legislate.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The Concurrent List contains subjects on which both the Union Government and the State Governments can legislate. However, if there is a conflict between the laws made by the Union and the State, the Union law prevails. Education is one such subject on the Concurrent List.

3. Assertion (A): The Union Education Minister criticized the West Bengal government for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). Reason (R): Education is on the Concurrent List, empowering the state government to follow its own policy. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C.A is true but R is false.
D.A is false but R is true.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Both A and R are true. The Union Education Minister did criticize West Bengal for not implementing the NEP. It is also true that education is on the Concurrent List, giving states the power to formulate their own policies. However, the reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the assertion (A). The criticism is based on the Union government's view that the NEP provides a better framework for education, regardless of the Concurrent List.