Under CM Nitish Kumar, Children In Bihar Villages Receiving Quality Higher Education

Upon assuming power in Bihar in 2005, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recognised the importance of basic education and focused on providing quality education along with fundamental facilities in schools.

The state government emphasised improving the education system at the panchayat level.

Photo Credit: PTI

A system was implemented to establish higher secondary schools in every panchayat so that children studying in villages would not need to move to cities for further education after Class 10.

Under Nitish Kumar's government, arrangements were made for education up to Class 12 (intermediate) within villages. Several new higher secondary schools have been opened in 3,304 panchayats across the state.

Currently, out of 8,386 panchayats, 5,082 have operational higher secondary schools.

The establishment of higher secondary schools at the panchayat level has benefitted economically weaker sections, as students no longer need to leave their villages for education up to Class 12.

They can now study while staying in their villages. The state government has prioritised educating girls to help reduce the fertility rate in the state through the spread of education.

Bihar's fertility rate is now equivalent to the national average. For higher secondary (plus-two) schools established at the panchayat level, two- to three-storey buildings with 16 rooms have been constructed, offering students state-of-the-art educational facilities.

These schools feature modern infrastructure, including school buildings, playgrounds, specialised laboratories, and computer labs. Each laboratory has an estimated budget of ₹1.2 lakh.

IIT Patna has contributed to developing higher secondary schools. Each school's lab is equipped with 10-12 computers. Additionally, libraries offer resources in both offline and online modes.

Separate toilets have been built for boys, girls, and teachers, with provisions for two water coolers and borewells for water supply. Indoor game facilities and equipment for various sports are also being arranged. Modern labs have been established for students pursuing vocational courses.

Science students benefit from laboratories developed with the assistance of IIT Patna.

Previously, rural students had to move to cities for intermediate education after completing their matriculation. However, the establishment of higher secondary schools at the panchayat level has significantly reduced this necessity. Now, students can pursue intermediate education within their panchayat.

This development has particularly benefitted parents who wished to educate their children but were unable to send them to cities due to financial constraints. Students can now stay in their villages and receive higher education under their parents' guidance.

The steps taken by the state government to reform higher education have yielded positive results.

A survey highlights significant qualitative improvement and progress in higher education in Bihar, which has been highly commendable.

Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, continuous efforts are being made to further enhance higher education. There have been considerable improvements in academic sessions and examination systems.

The state government aims to provide quality education with modern methods at the panchayat level, ensuring girls' education is prioritised.

The establishment of plus-two schools at the panchayat level has significantly promoted education in rural areas. Awareness about the importance of educating children in rural regions has also increased.