Bihar Education Minister Outlines Comprehensive 2026-27 Fiscal Plan for Educational Expansion
In a significant announcement before the legislative council on Friday, Education Minister Sunil Kumar revealed that the 2026-27 fiscal year will see a special emphasis on expanding access to education and improving quality across schools and colleges in Bihar. The minister provided detailed insights into the government's ambitious initiatives, which are part of the broader Saat Nishchay-3 program.
Major Allocations for Infrastructure Development
A substantial Rs 800 crore has been earmarked for establishing model schools in all 534 blocks of the state. This move aims to set benchmarks for educational excellence at the grassroots level. Additionally, the government plans to address gaps in higher education by establishing degree colleges in each of the 213 blocks that currently lack such institutions. Furthermore, 31 existing colleges have been selected for transformation into centres of excellence, enhancing their academic and research capabilities.
Budget Breakdown and Transparency in Recruitment
Minister Kumar was responding to the House debate on the education department's budget, which totals Rs 60,204.60 crore for general education and Rs 8,012.34 crore for higher education in the 2026-27 fiscal. He highlighted that this combined allocation of Rs 68,216.94 crore constitutes 20% of the total state budget of Rs 3.47 lakh crore for the year, underscoring the government's commitment to education.
On the recruitment front, Kumar emphasized transparency, noting that 2.60 lakh schoolteachers, including principals and headmasters, have been appointed so far. The process is underway to recruit an additional 45,198 teachers through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) under the Teachers’ Recruitment Examination (TRE)-4. In alignment with the government's women's empowerment policy, women account for 44% of the total schoolteachers, promoting gender diversity in the education sector.
Student Welfare and Higher Education Support
To bolster student welfare, the scholarship amount for students from Classes I to XII has been doubled. In the 2024-25 fiscal, Rs 846 crore was transferred to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring efficient delivery of funds. Approximately 1.03 crore schoolchildren are receiving nutritious meals under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, with quality being rigorously assessed through third-party evaluations to maintain standards.
For higher education promotion, Rs 13,765.96 crore has been allocated under the Student Credit Card scheme. This initiative provides loans to eligible students pursuing higher studies, facilitating access to advanced education and reducing financial barriers.
Future Projects and Government Vision
The minister stated that these initiatives are integral to the government's Saat Nishchay-3 program, which also envisages the establishment of an education city. A detailed plan for this project is currently being prepared, signaling long-term strategic investments in Bihar's educational landscape. Kumar's announcements reflect a holistic approach to addressing both immediate needs and future growth in the state's education system.
