Patna: Once limited to blackboards and dilapidated classrooms, Bihar’s schools are now equipped with smart classes and improved infrastructure, driven by a substantial increase in the state’s education budget.
Before 2005, access to education for girls was severely restricted, with a female literacy rate of only 33.57 percent. The condition of schools was equally grim, with just 53,993 schools operating across Bihar, many in unsafe buildings lacking basic facilities.
After Nitish Kumar assumed office as Chief Minister in 2005, education became a key priority, particularly the education of girls. Schemes such as the Chief Minister Girl’s Cycle Scheme, dress scheme, scholarships, and the midday meal programme were implemented to bring daughters into classrooms. As a result, Bihar’s female literacy rate has more than doubled to 73.91 percent.
The number of schools has also risen to 75,812, and the teacher workforce expanded from 2.25 lakh to 5.97 lakh, significantly enhancing educational reach and quality. More than 75 percent of schools now have better buildings, clean toilets, water facilities, and proper seating arrangements.
Technical education witnessed major expansion as well. Prior to 2005, Bihar had only 2 engineering colleges, 13 polytechnics, and 23 ITI institutes. Today, it has 38 engineering colleges, 46 polytechnics, and 152 ITI institutes, equipping youth with technical skills and broadening employment opportunities.
Higher education saw a parallel transformation. The number of state universities increased from 10 to 21, while institutions such as IIT Patna, IIM Bodh Gaya, NIFT, and IIIT Bhagalpur have given Bihar’s students a platform to excel nationally and internationally.
These sweeping changes were backed by a dramatic rise in the education budget from Rs 4,366 crore before 2005 to Rs 77,690 crore today. Timely initiatives including scholarships, mid-day meals, and targeted incentives for girls have ensured even children from the most marginalised communities remain connected to schools, reshaping Bihar’s educational landscape.
