Image Source: PIB

The Centre and the West Bengal government have agreed to expand several national science and innovation programmes across the state, with a renewed focus on public health research, startup development and science education. The decision was taken during a meeting in Kolkata between Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday.

Officials said the initiatives will be implemented with immediate effect through coordination between Central scientific institutions, state departments and medical research networks. The discussions covered science education, biotechnology, innovation, clinical research and technology-driven public welfare programmes.

Cancer Research And Arsenic Study Get Priority

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the launch of a dedicated scientific study on arsenic poisoning in affected districts of West Bengal. The research will be carried out through institutions under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, or CSIR.

Health experts have long raised concerns about arsenic contamination in groundwater across parts of eastern India, including districts in West Bengal. Scientific studies have linked prolonged arsenic exposure to skin disorders, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

The meeting also approved collaborative research related to cancer drugs, antimicrobial therapies and clinical trials. The work will involve Government Medical Colleges, cancer hospitals, scientific institutions and healthcare networks linked to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, or AIIMS.

Officials said the collaboration aims to improve clinical research capacity and strengthen medical innovation in eastern India.