Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up efforts to expand educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, with proposals for overseas scholarships, new hostels and higher village grants receiving in-principle support from the Centre.
On Tuesday, Bihar’s minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare, Lakhendra Paswan, met the Union minister for social justice and empowerment, Virendra Kumar, in New Delhi to press for additional support under existing central schemes.
During the meeting, Paswan sought inclusion of eligible students from Bihar under the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, which supports SC/ST candidates pursuing higher education abroad. According to officials, the Union minister expressed agreement with the proposal, paving the way for scholarships for students who secure admission to foreign universities.
The Bihar minister also raised the issue of inadequate residential facilities, urging the Centre to support construction of new hostels for SC/ST students. He proposed funding at Rs 3.5–4 lakh per student for hostel infrastructure, a move that he said would significantly improve access to education. The proposal was appreciated and accepted in principle, officials said.
In addition, Paswan requested changes to the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, seeking a grant of Rs 20 lakh per village for habitations with a Scheduled Caste population of 40% or more, or where the SC population exceeds 500. The Union minister agreed to the proposal, according to the Bihar government.
Officials said the measures, once formalised, would strengthen educational access for marginalised communities in Bihar, while improving living and learning conditions for students at home and abroad.
