Dr Sukanta Majumdar outlines BJP’s growth, education initiatives, and development plans for Bengal and Northeast, while speaking to The Sunday Guardian.
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for the Development of the North Eastern Region, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Guardian, shared his ministry’s development plans and vision for Viksit Bharat.
As the Bengal BJP chief, he expressed confidence about the party’s future in the state. He stated that if the BJP can successfully implement its strategy—from the central leadership to the grassroots level—then in 2026, the party’s Chief Minister will take the oath and usher Bengal into a new phase of governance.
Q: How do you evaluate the Union Budget’s allocation for the education sector?
A: This year approximately Rs 1,12,899 crore has been allocated to the education sector, reflecting a 6.22% increase compared to the previous year. This substantial allocation underscores the government’s commitment to education, which has consistently remained a top priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The budget also recognises the growing significance of digital learning, with provisions for enhancing digital infrastructure and resources. A dedicated allocation has been made for the skilling sector, equipping young individuals to tackle future challenges effectively. In the domain of research and innovation, nearly Rs 20,000 crore has been earmarked for PMRF 2.0, a scheme that will provide fellowships to approximately 10,000 aspiring young researchers. Furthermore, Rs 500 crore has been set aside for establishing an AI Centre of Excellence for Education, which will significantly boost research and innovation. With AI playing an increasingly vital role in the Indian education system, its integration will facilitate personalised learning for students. As you know, most classrooms are often overcrowded-even with an ideal 40:1 student-teacher ratio- so providing personalised education remains a challenge. However, AI can help bridge this gap by tailoring learning experiences to individual student needs. Various schemes have been introduced to strengthen the education sector, including funding for infrastructure development in IITs, particularly those established after 2014. The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme has also been launched to promote education in local and vernacular languages. Recognising the importance of learning in one’s mother tongue, this initiative aims to facilitate the publication of scientific books in regional languages.
Q: Many students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are compelled to migrate to metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, and Kolkata for higher education. What measures are being implemented to address this issue?
A: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a strong emphasis on improving accessibility to education, particularly for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. One of its key contributions is the introduction of greater flexibility in the education system, which was previously unavailable to students in these regions. To support the development of educational infrastructure, the government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) with an outlay of approximately Rs 12,926 crores—nearly Rs 13,000 crores—for the period from 2023–24 to 2025–26. Under this initiative, 35 Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) will be established, each with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crores, totalling around Rs 3,500 crores. This infrastructure expansion will provide students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with greater access to higher education opportunities. Efforts are also being made to enhance the quality of teachers through the Malaviya Mission. The government is also promoting digital and online education, recognising the increasing role of technology in learning. With advancements in AI and internet-based education, students in smaller cities will soon have access to world-class learning resources without needing to relocate. Rs 500 crores allocated for AI research in education will further strengthen this transformation, enabling students to pursue high-quality education from their hometowns. Another key reform is the change in accreditation methodology. Currently, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rates institutions using grades such as A+, A, or B. However, the government plans to shift to a bimodal system, classifying institutions as either accredited or not. This shift aims to reduce disparities between colleges in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and those in metropolitan areas, ensuring a more uniform standard of education across the country.
Q: What initiatives is your ministry undertaking to accelerate the development of the Northeast region?
A: In the northeastern region, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) primarily functions as a monitoring ministry. However, it also oversees key initiatives such as the PM-DevINE programme, which is a centrally funded scheme with 100% financial support from the central government. During the 15th Finance Commission period (2022–23 to 2025–26), the total outlay for this scheme stands at approximately Rs 6,600 crores over four years. Another important initiative under DoNER is the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), which is divided into two components: NESIDS-Roads (allocated for road construction) and NESIDS-Other Than Roads (focused on non-road infrastructure development). Alongside these, schemes managed by the North Eastern Council (NEC) also play a significant role. As of January 31, 2025, the NEC has successfully completed more than 1,782 projects worth approximately Rs 13,000 crores. The ministry provides financial support for Official Development Packages, benefiting autonomous bodies such as the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Autonomous Territorial Council, and Dima Hasao Autonomous Territorial Council. These efforts are contributing to infrastructure development in the Northeast, helping the region integrate more closely with the rest of the country.
Q: What are the government’s future plans for tourism and infrastructure development in the Northeastern states?
A: As I mentioned earlier, the government is making significant investments in the northeastern region, particularly in road infrastructure. In addition to these dedicated funds, we also oversee the allocation of 10% of the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) from 54 ministries, which includes the Ministry of Tourism. This ensures that state governments receive financial assistance from the central government for tourism-related projects. Since road connectivity plays a crucial role in tourism development, improving infrastructure is a key priority. To further promote the Northeast as a tourism and investment destination, we have organised roadshows in various cities across India, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The Honourable Minister of DoNER, Jyotiraditya Scindia, is set to participate in an international roadshow in Dubai. This event will showcase the region’s potential across multiple sectors, including industry and tourism. One of the biggest opportunities in the Northeast lies in health and wellness tourism. With its pristine, pollution-free environment, the region is an ideal location for wellness centres and hospitals. Investors are being encouraged to establish healthcare infrastructure in these serene surroundings, as patients can experience faster recovery in such a natural and tranquil atmosphere compared to crowded urban areas. Through these efforts, we have already facilitated investment agreements worth thousands of crores between industry stakeholders and state governments. The states are actively collaborating with the DoNER Ministry to create investment-friendly opportunities. This development extends beyond traditional tourism—it includes medical tourism, cultural tourism, archaeological tourism, and adventure tourism. For instance, Tripura alone boasts remarkable sites such as Unakoti and Neermahal, along with lush forests that are perfect for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. With these initiatives, I strongly believe that the tourism sector in the Northeast is poised for significant growth in the near future.
Q: The BJP witnessed significant growth in Bengal during the 2019 elections but has since struggled to maintain that momentum. What is your perspective on this decline?
A: The fortunes of a political party naturally fluctuate over time—sometimes it rises, sometimes it faces setbacks. Take Delhi, for instance; after a 27-year-long gap, we returned to power. Similarly, in 2019, Modi’s wave made its first significant impact in Bengal, leading us to win 18 seats. However, following the 2021 Assembly elections, the large-scale violence unleashed by the TMC government had a severe impact on us. Even today, many of our karyakartas remain under a sense of fear, though we are actively working to help them overcome it. While the process is taking some time, I believe that in 2026, we will deliver the decisive blow to Mamata Banerjee’s government and secure victory.
Q: There have been rising incidents of violence against women, such as the cases in Sandeshkhali and R.G. Kar Medical College. How is the BJP addressing these concerns?
A: Women have traditionally been one of Mamata Banerjee’s key vote banks. However, we are closely observing, along with the people of Bengal, that crimes against women are rising at an alarming rate. Incidents like those at R.G. Kar, Sandeshkhali, and, more recently, the brutal daylight murder of a young girl in Salt Lake—a posh area of Kolkata—are stark reminders of the deteriorating law and order situation. Such incidents continue to occur one after another, highlighting Mamata Banerjee’s weakening grip on governance and law enforcement. We are actively bringing these issues to the forefront, exposing her government’s failures in maintaining safety, particularly for women. Our commitment to this cause is unwavering. In Sandeshkhali, for instance, I was hospitalised during our protest, and our Leader of Opposition also led demonstrations demanding justice. We have been consistently present on the ground, fighting for women’s safety and holding the government accountable. Mamata Banerjee’s inability to govern effectively is becoming increasingly evident, and she is gradually losing public confidence. While she still retains a portion of the women’s vote, I believe that by 2026, this support will shift. Women voters will no longer back her government—they will place their trust in the BJP.
Q: Reports suggest internal conflicts among Bengal BJP’s top leaders. What is your take on this issue?
A: Differences of opinion are natural and to be expected. Even during the independence struggle—leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Mahatma Gandhi had their own differing perspectives while working towards a united cause. Similarly, within our party, such differences may arise, but what truly matters is that the BJP remains united in its larger mission. Since 2014, the BJP has grown rapidly, attracting leaders from various political backgrounds. Naturally, it takes time for them to fully adapt to the party’s working style and principles. This learning curve may lead to some initial challenges, but most leaders eventually integrated well. I believe over time, these minor differences will fade away. However, we welcome and encourage diverse viewpoints in our party. Unlike a communist setup, where rigid conformity is imposed, the BJP values individuality and respects the unique perspectives of its leaders. Healthy discussions and debates (charcha) are essential, as they lead to new ideas and positive outcomes. Through open dialogue, we continuously evolve and strengthen our vision for the future.
Q: Who, according to you, are a few capable candidates to become the next BJP president in Bengal after you?
A: This is an organisational matter, and such decisions are beyond my authority. The appointment of a state president rests entirely with the central leadership, which will make its decision in accordance with the party’s policies.
Q: The recently concluded Delhi elections witnessed a landslide victory for the BJP, ending a 27-year-long political exile. How do you interpret this outcome, and do you foresee a similar result for the BJP in the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections?
A: First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the Delhi BJP unit, especially Virendra Sachdeva and his team, for this tremendous victory. There is a clear similarity between the political approaches of Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal. Both follow the same pattern of revadi politics—offering freebies—and frequently making false statements that are far from reality. Their style of governance and political tactics mirror each other. Moreover, just as Arvind Kejriwal and his party have repeatedly questioned the BJP about its chief ministerial candidate, Mamata Banerjee and the TMC have done the same in Bengal. When comparing governance models, the TMC’s model in Bengal is strikingly similar to the AAP’s model in Delhi and certain elements
of Uttar Pradesh’s opposition politics. This recent victory in Delhi has given a significant morale boost to BJP workers not just across the country, but especially in Bengal, where the political landscape shares many similarities with Delhi. Looking ahead to 2026, if we can effectively implement our strategy—from central leadership down to the grassroots level—I firmly believe that the BJP’s Chief Minister will take the oath and lead Bengal into a new era of governance.