Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Bihar backslides

Date:

Share post:

Nitish Kumar during his first two terms as Chief Minister of Bihar did very well in promoting school education. The projects of providing cycles to girls and improving mid-day meals proved very effective. Enrolment of girls went up. But dropout rates in higher secondary levels in the current tenure of Nitish Kumar remain high. Only 42% of class 1 students complete their secondary education. The gross enrolment ratio is 13% as against the all India target of 30% by 2020. Outlay on education in Bihar has also diminished. Cheating in classes 10-12 has escalated. At a Vaishali school, there are reports that even guardians helped in such cheating. The state holds students responsible. They have been prevented from wearing shoes and socks where they can hide their notes. Examination centres are also meant to be equipped with CCTV cameras. It shows the slide back under Nitish Kumar’s present government. The Bihar government seems to treat all students as cheaters. It is like imposing prohibition to fight alcoholism in the state. Even moderate drinkers are penalised.

Nitish Kumar’s governance was previously praised for welfare programmes and pushing up school enrolment but the present term of his chief ministership seems to lack the human touch. It puts the emphasis on punitive measures. It is a sad reflection on the political acumen of Nitish Kumar who was considered one of the best Chief Ministers in India. Diktats about not wearing shoes at examinations seem to be on the same lands as creating a caste hierarchy.

Related articles

Govt restructures National Security Advisory Board, ex-RAW chief appointed as head

New Delhi, April 30: In a significant development, the Centre on Wednesday restructured the National Security Advisory Board...

Indian Oil clocks 50 pc jump in Q4 net profit at Rs 7,265 crore

New Delhi, April 30: State-run Indian Oil Corporation on Wednesday reported a net profit of Rs 7,264.85 crore...

Abhinav Bindra mourns passing of Sunny Thomas, says he was a ‘father figure to generations of Indian shooters’

New Delhi, April 30: Legendary shooting coach Sunny Thomas passed away on Wednesday at Uzhavoor in the Kottayam...

Caste Census to be done along with National Census: Modi govt’s big decision

New Delhi, April 30: The Centre announced on Wednesday that the caste census will be conducted along with...