Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh held an extensive meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata, during which it was decided that all major Central schemes related to science, research, innovation and StartUps would be implemented in West Bengal with immediate effect.

The meeting also arrived at two key decisions of regional importance, initiation of a dedicated study on arsenic poisoning in affected districts of West Bengal through CSIR institutions, and commencement of collaborative clinical and drug trial-related research on cancer and antimicrobial therapies involving premier scientific institutions, Government Medical Colleges, Cancer Hospitals and AIIMS-linked medical networks.

The meeting was attended by directors and representatives of scientific institutions functioning under the Ministry of Science & Technology in West Bengal. Discussions focused on building a coordinated framework between the Centre and the state government for expanding scientific research, innovation, biotechnology, clinical studies, startup promotion and science education outreach across the state.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said West Bengal possesses a strong scientific and academic ecosystem, with institutions under the Ministry of Science & Technology already functioning across the state and contributing to advanced areas of research. He said the state also holds enormous potential for scientific research, clinical trials and innovation-driven collaboration involving research institutions, medical colleges and healthcare networks.

A major focus of the discussions was the implementation of student-centric and women-centric schemes of the Department of Science & Technology in schools and colleges across West Bengal. It was decided that flagship programmes including INSPIRE, INSPIRE MANAK, Vigyan Jyoti, KIRAN and WISE would be expanded and implemented in a coordinated manner to strengthen scientific temper, innovation and participation of students and women in science and technology sectors.

The Minister said the integration of Central scientific schemes with educational institutions in West Bengal would help create a stronger pipeline for innovation, scientific learning and research-oriented talent development among the youth.

The meeting also discussed region-specific scientific interventions, particularly in areas affecting public health in parts of West Bengal. It was decided that CSIR-led scientific studies on arsenic poisoning, reported in several districts of the state, would be initiated immediately. Simultaneously, collaborative research efforts relating to cancer drugs, antimicrobial therapies and clinical research would also be taken forward through coordination among scientific institutions, Government Medical Colleges, Cancer Hospitals and premier healthcare institutions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said the convergence of scientific institutions, academia, healthcare infrastructure and innovation ecosystems can create a new model of science-led regional development in Eastern India. He said the coordinated participation of research institutions and educational establishments would help strengthen the state’s contribution to India’s expanding knowledge and innovation economy.

It was further decided that a preliminary coordination meeting involving the State Science & Technology Department and senior officials from Central scientific ministries and departments would be convened within the next few days to prepare an implementation roadmap. This would subsequently be followed by a higher-level ministerial interaction with the Chief Minister to review the progress of the initiatives and identify additional areas of collaboration.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said the decisions taken during the meeting reflect a shared commitment between the Centre and the West Bengal government to accelerate scientific growth, research collaboration, startup development and technology-driven public welfare initiatives in the state.

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NKR/AK