Patna: The Bihar Legislative Assembly heard a series of contentious and developmental announcements on Friday as the state’s budget session entered its ninth day, with the government ruling out domicile benefits for dental college students while unveiling new healthcare infrastructure projects.
Speaking in the House, health minister Mangal Pandey said the domicile policy would not be implemented in Bihar’s dental colleges, citing a pending case before the Patna High Court. The decision is being seen as a significant setback for students who had been demanding preferential treatment for state residents in dental admissions and recruitment.
Domicile policy ruled out for dental colleges
The controversy follows changes to the 50% horizontal reservation policy in dental recruitment, which some candidates argue have left them disadvantaged in their home state. Student groups had urged the government led by chief minister Nitish Kumar to introduce a 100% domicile-based reservation in dental colleges.
However, Pandey told the Assembly that the government would not proceed with implementing domicile provisions while the matter remains sub judice. The announcement effectively shuts the door, for now, on students’ demands for local preference in dental education and related appointments.
Eye bank to open at Purnia Medical College
Alongside the policy decision, the minister announced a series of healthcare initiatives. An eye bank will be established at Purnia Medical College, with the building construction already completed. Recruitment of necessary staff will begin shortly, and the facility is expected to become operational within three months.
Responding to a question from a legislator representing Purnia, Pandey said the new eye bank would strengthen regional ophthalmic services and provide relief to patients who currently have to travel to other districts for treatment.
Trauma centre planned in Khagaria
The government has also initiated the process of setting up a trauma centre in Maheshkhunt in Khagaria district. In response to a question from MLA Babulal Surya, the health minister said the site had been identified and procedural formalities were under way.
The proposed centre is expected to improve emergency care services in the district, particularly for accident victims requiring immediate medical intervention.
Paramedical exams to be held in March
Separately, concerns were raised over delays in examinations for female students enrolled in paramedical courses, including ANM, GNM and pharmacy programmes. Janata Dal (United) MLA Manjeet Kumar Singh asked why around 50,000 students across nearly 500 institutions from the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic sessions had yet to sit their exams.
Pandey told the House that examinations for the 2023–24 session would be conducted in March, with exams for the 2024–25 session to follow soon after.
The announcements underscore the dual pressures facing the state government during the budget session, managing student unrest over reservation policies while attempting to expand and upgrade public health infrastructure.
