Patna: The Bihar government is preparing to introduce two major welfare schemes in the financial year 2026–27 to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. These schemes will be implemented by the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department. The main aim is to reduce social discrimination and provide better opportunities for young people from marginalised backgrounds. Officials say the new policies are meant to bring social change and create equal chances for education and growth.
The first scheme focuses on encouraging inter-caste marriages in the state. At present, the Social Welfare Department gives Rs 1 lakh as financial help to couples who marry across caste lines. Under the new proposal, this amount will be increased to Rs 2.5 lakh. The department believes that many young couples still face social pressure and opposition because of caste differences. By increasing the incentive, the government hopes to make society more accepting and supportive of such marriages.
The second scheme is related to education and international studies. Under this plan, SC–ST students from Bihar who want to study abroad will receive scholarships. The state government has discussed this scheme with the central government and has sent a proposal for approval. The scholarships will be provided under the National Overseas Scheme. According to officials, the Union minister has agreed to support this proposal, which means students may soon get a chance to study in foreign universities with financial help.
Together, these two schemes show the government’s effort to support social equality and education at the same time. While the inter-caste marriage incentive aims to reduce caste-based divisions, the overseas scholarship scheme will help students gain global exposure and better career opportunities. If approved and implemented as planned, these steps could change the lives of many families in Bihar and create a more inclusive and progressive society.
