Bihar Government Announces Comprehensive Fee Support for SC/ST Students in Higher Education
In a significant move to promote educational equity, the Bihar government has declared that it will bear the entire fee for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education in premier institutions across the country. This announcement was made by Lakhendra Kumar Roshan, the state's SC and ST welfare department minister, during a press conference held at the IPRD conference hall in Patna on Friday.
Enhanced Scholarship Scheme for Premier Institutions
The government has revised the Mukhya Mantri Anusuchit Jati evam Anusuchit Janjati Praveshikottar Chhatravritti Yojana to provide full fee coverage for students aiming for admission to reputed central and state government institutions. This includes prestigious establishments such as the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP).
Minister Roshan emphasized that there will be no cap on the fee amount charged by these institutions, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder SC and ST students from accessing quality education. Previously, the state government provided scholarship assistance ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 90,000 for such students, but the new decision marks a substantial upgrade in support.
Increased Fee Support for Non-Government Institutions
Beyond premier institutions, the government has also decided to increase the annual fee amount paid by the department for SC and ST students enrolled in non-government institutions within Bihar. This enhancement covers a variety of courses, including:
- ITI courses: The maximum annual fee has been raised to Rs 7,500 from the existing Rs 5,000.
- Diploma/Polytechnic and equivalent courses: Students will now receive Rs 15,000 annually, up from Rs 10,000.
- Other professional and technical education programmes: The annual fee support has been increased to Rs 25,000, compared to the previous Rs 15,000.
Roshan clarified that the annual fee includes tuition fees and all other associated charges, providing comprehensive financial relief to students and their families.
Expansion of Hostel Facilities Across Bihar
Addressing accommodation needs, the minister revealed that the department has approved hostels in 276 blocks, covering more than 50% of the total blocks in the state. The government aims to establish hostels in all 534 blocks of Bihar within the next five years, prioritizing hostel facilities for SC and ST students to support their educational journeys.
Highlighting initiatives for girls' education, Roshan mentioned that 100 Savitribai Phule girls hostels with a 100-bed capacity have been approved in 18 districts, with tenders completed in several locations. The Savitribai Phule Girls Hostel scheme has been approved for all districts, ensuring widespread access.
Additionally, to address gaps in areas with high SC/ST populations, the department has sanctioned 60 new hostels of 100-bed capacity in 136 blocks where hostel facilities were previously unavailable despite populations exceeding 30,000.
Growth in Residential Schools and Applications
Currently, the department runs 91 residential schools, comprising 50 for boys, 37 for girls, and four co-educational institutions. With a total seating capacity of 44,240, these schools have received over 70,500 online applications for 8,595 vacant seats, a surge that Roshan attributes to improved education quality and better facilities.
Looking ahead, the minister announced that 28 new residential schools are set to be approved by the end of the financial year 2025-26, with construction work already underway. This expansion is part of the government's broader commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and opportunities for marginalized communities in Bihar.
This comprehensive initiative underscores the state government's dedication to fostering inclusive growth and empowering SC and ST students through accessible and quality higher education.
