Patna: The Bihar government has transferred Rs 1,047.08 crore to more than 93 lakhs students studying in elementary schools across the state under its school uniform scheme for the current financial year.
According to the education department, the funds were released under the Chief Minister’s Girls’ Dress Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Dress Scheme to ensure children attend school regularly wearing the prescribed uniform. The payments were made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), allowing the money to be deposited directly into students’ bank accounts.
Officials said a total of 93,12,192 students from classes 1 to 8 benefited from the scheme this year.
The uniform schemes were first launched in the 2008–09 academic year with the aim of encouraging school attendance, particularly among girls and children from economically weaker families.
Under the Chief Minister’s Girls’ Dress Scheme, girls in classes 1 and 2 receive Rs 600, those in classes 3 to 5 receive Rs 700, and girls in classes 6 to 8 receive Rs 1,000 to purchase school uniforms.
Separate provisions exist under the Chief Minister’s Uniform Scheme for other students. Those from above-poverty-line (APL) families in classes 1 and 2 receive Rs 400, while students from scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST) and below-poverty-line (BPL) families receive Rs 600.
For classes 3 to 5, APL students receive Rs 500 while SC, ST and BPL students receive Rs 600. Students in classes 6 to 8 receive Rs 700 regardless of category.
To qualify for the scheme, students must have at least 75% attendance in school. Beneficiaries include students enrolled in government, government-aided and non-government-aided schools across the state, as well as minority-run institutions.
The education department said the payments were completed after collecting verified data from all districts. Officials added that the scheme not only supports school attendance but also provides financial relief to millions of families.
