Patna : The Bihar Education Department is preparing to make computer education mandatory for students from Class 6 onwards from the next academic session, as the state steps up efforts to expand digital learning in schools.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari has directed officials to prepare for the proposed rollout and ensure that teachers receive computer training through the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) before they begin teaching the subject.
The directions were issued during a review meeting at the minister’s office in Vikas Bhawan on Friday. Officials were also instructed to speed up school infrastructure projects and ensure that essential facilities are completed within the stipulated deadlines.
Smart Classes In 700 Model Schools By March 31
The education minister directed officials to ensure that all 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools have smart classrooms by March 31.
He also instructed the department to construct boundary walls at model schools where the work remains incomplete. Officials were asked to make effective use of funds received from the Centre and complete the required infrastructure work on time.
The proposed smart classrooms are part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen technology-based learning and improve facilities in government schools.
Teachers To Receive Computer Training Through SCERT
Before computer education becomes mandatory for students from Class 6, teachers will undergo training through SCERT.
The training is intended to help teachers deliver computer lessons effectively. The department is preparing for the proposed introduction of the subject from the next academic session, although the report did not specify a detailed implementation schedule or curriculum.
During the meeting, Tiwari also sought an updated progress report on work under the PM SHRI scheme and reviewed the status of proposed education buildings in different districts. He directed officials to accelerate pending work.
Bihar Plans Gurukulam Institutions In Every Division
Alongside digital education, the department is planning to promote traditional education through Gurukulam Vidyapeeth institutions.
The minister directed officials to prepare a blueprint for establishing a Gurukulam Vidyapeeth in every administrative division. Work on the first institution has begun in Buxar, where the estimated expenditure is around Rs 70 crore.
Tiwari asked the budget officer to prepare detailed plans for additional Gurukulam institutions and instructed officials to include more new schemes in the upcoming budget.
Government Sanskrit Schools To Be Revived
The state government is also preparing to reopen government Sanskrit schools that have remained closed. The initial focus will be on renovating schools that have their own land available, the minister said.
The office of the Madrasa Board is also expected to be shifted to a new building soon, following a similar plan for the Sanskrit Education Board.
These initiatives are intended to support Sanskrit and traditional education alongside the proposed expansion of digital learning in Bihar.
Bihar Diwas Programme Planned At Bapu Sabhagar
Tiwari said large-scale programmes would be organised for Bihar Diwas next year, with the main event proposed to be held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna. Poet Dr Kumar Vishwas is expected to be invited for the occasion.
The review meeting was attended by Special Secretary Dharmendra Kumar, Bihar Education Project Council State Project Director Navdeep Shukla, Secondary Education Director Nitin Kumar Singh, Textbook Director Yatendra Kumar Pal, Primary Education Director Kumar Nishant Vivek, Director of Administration Vijay Kumar Pandey and other officials.
The proposed computer education programme, smart classroom deadline and school infrastructure projects were among the key issues reviewed by the department as it prepares for the next academic session.
