Technical education minister Chakradhar Maikap said the Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development has assured the department of a financial assistance of Rs 12 crore each for setting up the two polytechnics at Gangarampur in South Dinajpur and Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Maikap said the department is seeking the help of the Punjab Agricultural University and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Mahavidyalaya in the state to outline the subject for the three-year diploma course.

“We are waiting for the funds. As soon as we get them we will start the process of buying equipment and hiring faculty for the polytechnics,” said the minister.

The department, which is in the process of formulating the syllabus, will be focussing on agriculture production, preservation of food and preservation of soil.

“Over the years the productivity of the soil has gone down owing to the use of chemical fertilisers, bringing down the quality of the commodities, as well,” he said.

The minister said that at present there are 47 government and private polytechnic colleges in the state with an intake of 8,165 students.