Patna: A flagship initiative launched by the Bihar government in 2011 has now transformed the lives of nearly two crore schoolgirls, dramatically boosting attendance and retention rates across the state’s government schools. The Shatabdi Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana, which offers direct financial support for uniforms, has emerged as a cornerstone in the drive to promote girls’ education.
Since its inception, the scheme has disbursed Rs. 2,412.47 crore to 19,455,264 girls through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring funds reach students without bureaucratic delays. Initially providing Rs. 1,000 annually to students in Classes 9 to 12, the stipend was raised to Rs. 1,500 in 2018-19, helping to offset economic barriers that often lead to school dropouts among adolescent girls.
The impact has been profound. Official data shows that average attendance among girls in government schools has surged from just 33% in 2011 to more than 97%—a three-and-a-half-fold increase. In its first year alone, Rs. 140.17 crore was distributed, setting the tone for consistent annual funding and wide-reaching implementation.
Targeted at girls from economically weaker backgrounds, the scheme has not only improved enrolment but also contributed to greater social mobility and economic independence for beneficiaries. It has garnered attention beyond India’s borders for its role in advancing gender equity in education and breaking social barriers around girls’ schooling.
More than a decade after it began, the Balika Poshak Yojana continues to be hailed as one of Bihar’s most impactful and enduring social welfare programmes. With its direct approach and proven results, the scheme remains central to the state’s mission of inclusive and equitable education.
