The Centre and the West Bengal government have decided to implement major Central schemes related to science, research, innovation and startups across the state with immediate effect following a high-level meeting in Kolkata between Union Minister Jitendra Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Centre and the state in areas such as scientific research, biotechnology, startup development, clinical studies and science education outreach. Representatives from several scientific institutions operating under the Ministry of Science & Technology also participated in the meeting.

Two major region-specific initiatives were also approved during the discussions. These include a CSIR-led scientific study on arsenic poisoning in affected districts of West Bengal and collaborative research on cancer treatment, antimicrobial therapies and clinical trials involving scientific institutions, government medical colleges, cancer hospitals and AIIMS-linked healthcare networks.

The meeting further emphasized the expansion of key student and women-focused programmes such as INSPIRE, INSPIRE MANAK, Vigyan Jyoti, KIRAN and WISE across schools and colleges in the state to promote scientific learning, innovation and greater participation in science and technology sectors.

Jitendra Singh stated that West Bengal has a strong scientific and academic foundation and significant potential to emerge as a major hub for research, innovation and healthcare-driven scientific collaboration. He added that better integration of educational institutions, research centres and healthcare infrastructure could accelerate science-led development in Eastern India.

Officials also decided to hold a preliminary coordination meeting involving state and Central authorities in the coming days to prepare an implementation roadmap for the initiatives.