West Bengal, British Council partner to promote cultural ties, education

NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government in collaboration with the UK’s British Council signed an agreement to promote educational and cultural cooperation. The agreement aims to promote opportunities for young students and support the state’s knowledge and economic growth.

The agreement was signed at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025 in the presence of the chief minister Mamata Banerjee by Alison Barrett MBE, minister education and cultural affairs, British High Commission, New Delhi and, the director, British Council India.

Other guests included – Manoj Pant, IAS chief secretary, government of West Bengal; Binod Kumar the principal secretary of education; Debanjan Chakrabarti the director East and Northeast India, British Council; and Andrew Fleming the British deputy high commissioner, Kolkata.

“As the British Council celebrates its 90th anniversary in India and West Bengal in 2027-28, the renewed MoU will continue to strengthen ties and deepen the UK’s partnerships with the state,” the official British Council statement said.

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WB government, British Council collaboration

The key areas of the UK’s British Council and West Bengal government collaboration includes:

• English Language learning and school education will be focused on developing quality education, improving English language teacher skills, and supporting policy research in mother-tongue-based multilingual education.

• Education will involve reforms in reforming the university curriculum and expanding collaboration. Efforts will be made to improve faculty capacity and promote gender equality.

• Sharing culture, creativity, and ideas to improve cultural cooperation and promote cultural asses and develop skills within the sector.

Binod Kumar the principal secretary of education, government of West Bengal said: “We are delighted to partner with the British Council, further strengthening West Bengal’s international collaborations in education, culture and creative economy in order to empower our youth. This partnership marks a significant step towards educational excellence and cultural innovation, driving growth and development across the state. Through initiatives focused on enhancing language education, fostering faculty development, and promoting cultural exchange, we aim to equip the youth of West Bengal with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”