The West Bengal Assembly has recently passed bills to establish two new private universities: Rabindranath Tagore University in Dhaniakhali, Hooghly, and Ramakrishna Paramhansa University in Agarpara, North 24-Parganas. These institutions aim to expand educational opportunities and honour the state's cultural heritage.
A New Era in Higher Education
With the addition of these universities, the total number of universities in West Bengal will rise to 44, encompassing both private and state-aided institutions. Currently, the state has 14 private universities and 28 state universities. This move is part of the state's broader strategy to promote private investment in the higher education sector.
Rabindranath Tagore University
Rabindranath Tagore University will be managed by the Kalipada Saha Memorial Trust. The university will offer a range of specialized fields such as vocational studies, hospitality, fashion technology, food and nutrition, and business-related courses like MCA, BCA, and BBA. The legislation mandates a 25% reservation for students from West Bengal, a 5% quota for economically disadvantaged students on scholarships, and a 50% reservation for non-teaching positions for local candidates.
Ramakrishna Paramhansa University
Ramakrishna Paramhansa University will be promoted by the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission. The university will provide instruction, teaching, training, and research in various branches, offering Master's and Bachelor's degrees in English, Food and Nutrition, Sanskrit, Economics, Psychology, Geography, and other fields like MCA, BCA, MSW, and BBA. Similar to Rabindranath Tagore University, it will also have reservations for local students and economically disadvantaged students.
Impact on the Education Landscape
Education Minister Bratya Basu highlighted the transformation in the state's higher education landscape, noting that before 2011, West Bengal had only 11 state-funded universities. Under Mamata Banerjee's leadership over the past 13 years, this number has increased to 44, with several institutions receiving state sponsorship. The new legislation is expected to further enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the state.
Conclusion
The establishment of Rabindranath Tagore University and Ramakrishna Paramhansa University marks a significant milestone in West Bengal's higher education sector. These institutions will not only provide diverse academic programs but also contribute to the state's cultural heritage and economic growth.
