West Bengal elections education 2026

Voters across West Bengal report paying for textbooks the state says it supplies free, a key issue during the West Bengal elections education 2026 debate. Parents such as Tamanna and Sima Oraon say they spent Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000 respectively on books and mid-year workbooks that were not provided.

West Bengal elections education 2026: hidden textbook costs and household impact

Families say demands for extra workbooks and study materials arrive mid-term without notice, undermining the promise of free schooling. Uniforms and mid-day meals are cited by the government as proof of free schooling, but parents say recurring textbook and workbook bills create a financial burden on low-income households.

Teachers and first-time voters flagged immediate student impact. Many students leave school after Class 8 , while others migrate out of state for work. Graduates increasingly take gig work because stable local jobs are limited, reducing the incentive to continue formal education.

West Bengal elections education 2026: staff crunch, training and safety demands

Educators say staff shortages are widespread in schools and state universities. Teachers have demanded fresh recruitment of permanent teaching and non-teaching staff and regular upskilling so classrooms meet Gen Z learning needs.

"Recruiting permanent teaching and non-teaching staff should be started at the earliest," said Bipasha Ghosh, a teacher speaking on ground realities. Anamika Chakraborti, a science teacher in Rajarhat, called for continuous professional development and modern teaching methods to keep students engaged.

Safety concerns for girl students were repeatedly raised. Teachers asked for safer travel and stronger in-school protections so families feel secure sending girls to class.

University weaknesses, placements and electoral process concerns

Academics warned that execution, not policy, is the main weakness. Saptarshi Konar of Kalyani University said student numbers at state universities are falling due to weak infrastructure and placement systems.

Amit Roy of Calcutta University also flagged electoral administration problems, reporting errors in voter lists and issues with the West Bengal SIR that excluded genuine voters from rolls.

Teachers, parents and students told poll workers and candidates that the next government should prioritise: permanent hires, teacher training, safer school transit for girls, transparent rollout of free textbooks, and stronger university placement links to jobs.

The West Bengal legislative assembly elections were held in two phases, 2026 , and education emerged as a top local concern alongside jobs and public services.