In a rare show of largescale academic support, the West Bengal government has sanctioned nearly ₹20 crore for library upgrades across 399 government-aided colleges, giving each institution ₹5 lakh to procure new books and journals.

The decision, seen as a much-needed boost at a time when higher education in the state is grappling with delays in admissions and funding shortages, has been widely welcomed by college principals and faculty.

“This allocation is nothing short of a new lease of life for an academic system that desperately needs vitality and energy,” said Ayantika Ghosh, principal of Naba Ballygunge Mahavidyalaya. She noted that the introduction of the new National Education Policy (NEP) curriculum had strained libraries already struggling with outdated collections.

The Higher Education Department’s order states: “Procurement of books and journals for the new syllabus of 399 government-aided colleges. Total amount approved: ₹19.95 crore (@ ₹5 lakh to each college).”

While larger institutions may find the sum modest, principals say smaller colleges — often forced to shelve library plans for lack of funds — stand to benefit greatly. Many also described it as the first time that such a uniform grant has been disbursed across all aided colleges simultaneously.

“The new curriculum is diverse and multidisciplinary, with many texts never previously on university lists. For three years, we struggled to equip young minds due to lack of resources. This endeavour should finally bridge the gap,” Dr. Ghosh added.

Some educators believe the infusion of new titles and journals could rekindle interest in physical libraries, especially at a time when students have grown dependent on e-books, online lectures and AI-driven tools.

“There cannot be better friends than physical books,” said Jaydeep Sarangi, principal of New Alipore College, who confirmed that departments were already drawing up procurement lists.

As the NEP-linked Curriculum and Credit Framework (CCF) takes effect, the state government’s grant is being viewed as both symbolic and practical — an attempt to ground ambitious reforms in the tangible reality of well-stocked shelves.