Siliguri: Expressing concern over the growing exodus of students from West Bengal, State tourism minister Dr Shankar Ghosh on Saturday said the state must urgently strengthen its educational infrastructure and improve the quality of institutions to retain talent, warning that the migration of bright students is hampering Bengal’s long-term development.Addressing the inaugural session of the pre-counselling and education fair organised by the Association of Academic Institutions (APAI) in Mallaguri, Siliguri, Ghosh said that stopping migration remains one of the key objectives of the BJP govt under the leadership of chief minister Suvendu Adhikari. More than 50 private educational institutions from Siliguri and other parts of the state participated in the fair, showcasing a wide range of higher education and professional courses.Speaking at the event, Ghosh said that migration from the state is no longer limited to workers, with a growing number of students also leaving West Bengal in search of better educational opportunities.“Earlier, students generally moved out after passing out class 11. However, based on my observations over the past few years, many talented students are now leaving the state immediately after class 10,” he said.The minister further said the BJP govt is committed to promoting industries and manufacturing units in the state so that local talent can find employment opportunities within West Bengal instead of moving elsewhere.Ghosh urged students to look beyond conventional academic streams and pursue future-oriented courses. Such fields, he said, would create new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.APAI general secretary Satyam Roy Chowdhury said, “West Bengal has several high-quality educational institutions whose students have established successful careers not only across India but also abroad.”The fair witnessed a large turnout of students from classes 10 and 12. Participants were provided information on courses in engineering, management, pharmacy, hotel management, architecture and other professional disciplines. Career experts also guided students on course selection, career prospects, admission and counselling.
