Kolkata, July 14 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the state has joined the National Education Policy (NEP) and the PM-SHRI scheme, paving the way for the release of central funds for the current financial year.

Following a meeting with Union and state officials in Kolkata, Adhikari outlined a series of education reforms, including improved school infrastructure, gas-based cooking for mid-day meals, phased installation of solar panels, sanitary napkin vending machines in girls' schools, transparent teacher recruitment, and an increase in the primary-level PM POSHAN cooking cost from Rs.6.78 to Rs.10 per student per day with effect from August 1.

"We held a highly productive meeting here today. While Union...