The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will commence supplying midday meals to students in government and government-aided schools across Kolkata and various regions of West Bengal starting from August 1. This initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to enhance the quality of meals distributed under the PM POSHAN programme. The announcement came following a meeting involving education officials from both the Union and state governments, as revealed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Financial Support and Allocation Changes

Chief Minister Adhikari stated that ISKCON will not only provide the meals but will also offer financial assistance through subsidies. Along with this initiative, the government has revised the daily cooking allocation for pre-primary and primary students from Rs 6.78 to Rs 10. The state will cover the additional cost of Rs 3.22 per student. This change, included in the 2026-27 Budget, will be operational from August 1, aiming to improve the nutritional value of meals provided to children.

During discussions, Adhikari highlighted the broader objective of strengthening the education system at all levels, from primary schools up to universities. Enhancing nutritional standards is a significant part of this agenda, which is closely associated with plans for upgrading school facilities and fostering better learning environments.

The initiative includes a strategy to transition cooking methods in schools to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and implement solar power systems gradually. Furthermore, the state aims to provide clean toilets, arsenic-free drinking water, and sufficient utensils for students in every school, ensuring a healthy and conducive environment for learning.

Special Attention to Target Areas

Specific regions, namely Birbhum, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, and Jhargram, will receive special focus in this initiative. In these areas, ceiling fans will be installed in schools to help students manage the extreme summer heat. The provision of sanitary napkin vending machines in both girls’ and co-educational institutions, along with the installation of Aquaguard water purifiers, forms part of a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring appropriate facilities for all students.

Alignment with National Policies

Chief Minister Adhikari also mentioned that West Bengal has officially adopted both the National Education Policy (NEP) and the PM SHRI scheme. He indicated a strong expectation that pending central grants will be released, following the state’s alignment with these educational frameworks. Approximately 81,000 schools are anticipated to receive composite grants, which have allegedly been on hold for the last three years.

To enhance transparency in educational administration, the government intends to amend state education legislation to reflect the NEP and will propose a Bill allowing for the selection of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of educational institutions from among parents or guardians. In an effort to monitor compliance, inspections of private educational institutions will be conducted to ensure adherence to established norms and fee structures, with an emphasis on preventing the commercialisation of education.

In terms of teacher recruitment, Adhikari announced plans to withdraw from a pending Supreme Court case regarding OBC reservation to facilitate the recruitment of approximately 6,000 candidates. Future appointments will adhere to a merit-based system while maintaining the reservation roster for all eligible categories, contributing to a more transparent hiring process in West Bengal’s educational institutions.

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