Patna: The Bihar government has approved plans to construct 15 new hostels for tribal students across six districts, a move officials say will strengthen access to secondary education for some of the state’s most marginalised communities.
The Education Department has cleared the proposal for hostels in Kaimur, Kishanganj, Katihar, Madhepura, Bhagalpur and Purnea. The plan will be placed before the state cabinet after receiving clearance from the finance department.
Each hostel is estimated to cost about Rs 3 crore and will accommodate 100 students, according to government officials. Construction is expected to begin in the first phase of the 2026–27 financial year and will be carried out by the Building Construction Department.
A second phase is also being planned, with proposals for additional hostels in Jehanabad, Nawada, Buxar and Darbhanga districts.
All the facilities will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM Janman) scheme, a central government initiative aimed at integrating particularly vulnerable tribal groups into the mainstream. The scheme focuses on improving access to housing, drinking water, education, healthcare, roads, electricity and livelihoods in tribal areas.
The hostels will cater to students aged 15 to 18 from seven tribal communities and will provide free accommodation. Funding will be shared between the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio.
Officials said the hostels would also include canteens to provide regular, nutritious meals and facilities designed to support learning. Students preparing for competitive examinations will receive additional academic support alongside those attending regular classes. Hindi and English newspapers, along with relevant magazines, will be made available to residents.
The government says the initiative is intended to reduce economic and social barriers that disrupt schooling for tribal students, improve educational outcomes and contribute to greater self-reliance within tribal communities.
