Patna : In a significant policy shift, the Bihar government has abolished the requirement of 75% attendance for students to avail benefits under the cycle and uniform scheme in government schools. Education Minister Sunil Kumar made the announcement in the Legislative Council on Monday, stating that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had approved the decision through the state cabinet.
Each year, around 1.8 crore students enroll in government schools across Bihar. Previously, only those who maintained at least 75% attendance were eligible to receive benefits under the scheme. However, the government has now decided to do away with this condition, ensuring that all students can benefit regardless of their attendance record.
Expansion of Educational Infrastructure
During his address on the departmental budget, Sunil Kumar highlighted the government’s plans to expand and modernize the state’s education infrastructure. He announced that 29,000 schools will be computerized in the 2025-26 financial year. Additionally, land will be identified at 12 locations for the construction of new Kendriya Vidyalayas.
CM Nitish also underscored the exponential growth in the education budget over the years. “In 2005, the education budget was just Rs4,400 crore. Today, it exceeds Rs60,000 crore,” he noted. The budget for higher education alone has been allocated Rs5,885 crore, with over 2,000 assistant professors recently appointed in colleges and universities.
Focus on Inclusive Education
The Education Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive education, announcing that special teachers will be appointed to support students with disabilities. He also highlighted the increased participation of women in the teaching workforce, noting that 44% of the state’s more than 6 lakh teachers are women, which he described as a significant step towards women’s empowerment.
CM Nitish pointed out that Bihar’s literacy rate has seen remarkable improvement, rising from 40% in 2000 to 80% today. The female literacy rate, which stood at 34% in 2000, has now climbed to 74%. He also mentioned that 1.08 crore students are receiving nutritious meals under the Mid-Day Meal scheme.
Scheme Benefits and Revised Guidelines
Under the revised guidelines, the government aims to transfer uniform money directly to the bank accounts of eligible students by April 1. The uniform scheme provides financial assistance to all girl students from classes 1 to 12 and all boys from classes 1 to 8. Additionally, students in class 9 are entitled to Rs3,000 under the cycle scheme.
Breakdown of Uniform Scheme Benefits:
Classes 1 and 2: Rs600 per student
Classes 3 to 5: Rs700 per student
Classes 6 to 8: Rs1,000 per student
Classes 9 to 12: Rs1,500 per student
