Patna: In a bid to accelerate welfare initiatives and ensure greater accountability, Secretary Manoj Kumar of Bihar’s Department of Backward and Extremely Backward Classes Welfare chaired a high-level review meeting on Monday, issuing a series of strict directives to departmental officers.
The meeting focused on evaluating the progress of ongoing schemes, infrastructure development, and service delivery, with particular attention to education, hostel facilities, and financial disbursements. Kumar urged officers to submit detailed inspection reports with critical feedback following field visits, calling such input essential for improving implementation and transparency.
Schools to Be Operational for Upcoming Academic Year
A key priority was the transfer and activation of newly constructed schools, eight of which have already been transferred. Kumar stressed the urgency of making all completed buildings operational before the next academic session. He also instructed officers to ensure that computer labs, science laboratories, and libraries are swiftly established, with support from self-help group initiative Jeevika.
Student Enrolment and Teacher Availability
The secretary expressed concern over enrolment gaps and directed that vacant seats be filled using the waiting list by April 22. In districts with completed school infrastructure, he mandated full-capacity enrolment and adequate teacher deployment for classes 6 to 12.
Civil Services Incentives Under Scrutiny
Regarding the civil services incentive scheme, Kumar proposed that physical verification precede payment to safeguard against fraud. The incentive aims to support students from backward classes pursuing competitive exams.
Hostel and School Infrastructure Reviewed
The status of hostel construction, mess operations, and +2 residential schools for OBC boys and girls were reviewed. Kumar called for accelerated progress on the 100-seat girls’ hostels at divisional levels, and the Working Women Hostel construction project.
He also pushed for the creation of essential posts such as laboratory assistants and nurses in OBC Girls Residential +2 High Schools to improve student support services.
Training, Technology, and Budget Oversight
The secretary underscored the need for principal training, linking leadership development to improved school outcomes. He also noted the initiation of laptop procurement by sub-divisional officers to enhance monitoring of the Post-Graduation Scholarship Scheme.
The department is also collaborating with the Bihar Skill Development Mission and Beltron to establish KYP (Kushal Yuva Program) centres in five OBC Girls Residential Schools, expected to be operational within the prescribed timeline.
Facilities and Ministerial Correspondence
Officers were told to ensure basic amenities like water and electricity in all newly constructed buildings and hostels named after Jananayak Karpuri Thakur. Kumar also instructed them to respond promptly to correspondence from the Honourable Minister, treating it with due priority.
