West Bengal gives government-aided colleges ₹5 lakh each to buy books for libraries

West Bengal is giving State Government-aided colleges — there are 399 of them — ₹5 lakh each to buy books and journals for their libraries, a decision that many principals see as encouraging in a scenario that’s not been very encouraging this year for higher education in the State.

While the amount may not be massive for bigger colleges, it is sufficient enough for smaller institutions that often have to think twice before taking decisions due to a lack of funds. The basic idea is to help colleges meet new requirements following the adoption of the National Education Policy, and on the whole everybody is happy.

“The Governor has been pleased to accord ‘In Principle Approval’ for the following project: Procurement of books and journals for new syllabus of 399 govt.-aided colleges. Total amount of ‘In Principle Approval’: ₹19,95,00,000 (@ ₹5,00,000 to each college),” a recent communication said.

While some insist that it is not unusual for the State Government to issue funds for purchase of books, many others belonging to the academia say that this is the first time that all the aided colleges are being simultaneously handed cash to improve the collection in their libraries.

“Amidst the not-so-rosy scenario in the higher educational institutes of Bengal due to the unprecedented delay in admission and the dilemma amongst the newly passed out students dreaming to step into the portals of college, the recent circular on approval of allocation of ₹5 lakhs by the Department of Higher Education for the procurement of books and journals undoubtedly gave a new lease of life to an academic system that desperately needs vitality and energy to carry itself forward,” Ayantika Ghosh, principal of Naba Ballygunge Mahavidyalaya, told The Hindu. 

“The new curriculum, a part of National Education Policy 2020 (with effect from 2023) is an acclaimed student-centric approach, focusing on the maximum growth of the students, equipping them with necessary skills for prospering in chosen vocation. The syllabus, accordingly, is diverse and multidisciplinary, and includes many texts in its ambit that were hitherto not under prescribed texts list published by the university. Last three years have been a struggle for teachers to replenish the young minds, mainly due to lack of books in the library. This much awaited endeavour by the Higher Education Department should alleviate the crisis. The amount of Rs. 5 lakh hopefully is enough to procure the required books for the time being and will meet the needs of the course structure,” Dr. Ghosh opined.

Several teachers feel that revitalising the stocks with latest journals and new releases may bring young minds back to the libraries, considering they are now so used to — especially post-pandemic — e-books, e-journals, YouTube lectures, and AI-driven tools.

“This grant will help college libraries purchase books on the current CCF (Curriculum & Credit Framework) syllabus and also reference. Our college is preparing the list through the departments. There cannot be better friends than physical books,” said Jaydeep Sarangi, principal of Kolkata’s New Alipore College.