Patna : Bihar is preparing to introduce Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Magahi and Angika as additional language options for students from Classes 1 to 5, as the state moves to promote regional languages under the National Education Policy.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said work is underway to allow children to study one of these five regional languages as an additional language. The initiative is aimed at connecting students with their local language and culture while supporting improvements in the quality of education.
The decision was discussed during a review meeting of the Education Department chaired by the minister at the Madan Mohan Auditorium in Vikas Bhawan on Tuesday.
Focus On Regional Languages And Quality Education
The meeting reviewed several aspects of Bihar’s school education system, including school infrastructure, quality education, skill development and employment-oriented learning.
The minister directed officials to focus on providing students with education that can improve their future employment opportunities.
The proposed regional-language initiative is part of the broader effort to implement the language-related provisions of the National Education Policy in Bihar.
Madhyama Students To Get A Pathway To Plus Two
The department also discussed arrangements for students who have passed the Madhyama examination to continue their education at the Plus Two level.
A proposal is being prepared to provide this pathway through the Bihar Sanskrit Education Board, which will require amendments to the relevant Act.
Officials said around 24,000 students passed the Madhyama examination last year.
The minister also directed officials to complete inspections of Sanskrit schools and madrasas within one month, with instructions against unnecessary delays.
Gurukulam Vidyapeeth Planned On 5 Acres In Buxar
The proposed Gurukulam Vidyapeeth in Simri, Buxar, was also discussed during the meeting.
A team that recently visited the Sri Sathya Sai Ashram in Karnataka presented details of its facilities and arrangements. Based on the visit, officials also presented a proposed design for the Gurukulam in Buxar.
The minister said five acres of land have already been made available for the project. Additional land may be sought if required.
Photos And Technical Checks To Identify Dilapidated Schools
The Education Department has also initiated steps to identify government schools with unsafe or dilapidated buildings.
Engineering teams will conduct technical inspections of such school buildings across the state. Headmasters will also be required to upload photographs of damaged buildings on the e-Shikshakosh portal.
The photographs and technical inspection reports will be used to prepare a comprehensive list of schools requiring attention.
The department also discussed the possibility of carrying out infrastructure-related development works through the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin).
Welfare Scheme Payments Before Diwali
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari directed officials to ensure that funds under welfare schemes, including the Kanya Utthan Yojana and Balika Protsahan Yojana, are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts before Diwali.
The payments will be made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Action Warning Over Pending Teacher Cases
The department also reviewed pending matters related to teachers’ service issues.
Education Secretary Rajiv Roshan directed all District Programme Officers (Establishment) to dispose of pending cases quickly.
Under the new instructions, if a matter remains pending for 15 days after an application is submitted, the file will be escalated to the director and secretary levels.
Officials have also been warned of disciplinary action, including possible dismissal in cases where negligence is established.
700 Model Schools And State-Level Programme Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed efforts to expand quality education across 700 model schools in Bihar.
Preparations for the state-level ‘Mere Sapno Ka Bharat: Seva Chitra’ programme scheduled to be held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna on October 10 were also discussed.
The department said the focus would remain on improving school infrastructure, expanding access to quality education and ensuring that students receive opportunities for skill development and future employment.
