Patna: In a significant move for student welfare, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that students residing in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar residential hostels will receive double monthly financial assistance from April, increasing the amount from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per student.
The announcement was made during the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samagra Shiksha Samagam held at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, organized on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti.
Over 6,000 Students Attend Education Samagam in Patna
The grand education event witnessed participation from more than 6,000 students across Bihar. The programme focused on education, empowerment, and recognition of academic excellence.
During the event:
- Meritorious students from Matric and Intermediate examinations were honoured
- 123 top-performing girl students from Gayghat Ambedkar Residential School, Patna, were specially awarded
- Students from various districts participated in large numbers
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Strong Network of Ambedkar Schools and Hostels in Bihar
The state currently operates:
- 91 Dr. Ambedkar Residential Schools
- 139 Ambedkar student hostels
Officials confirmed that students in these institutions already receive free accommodation and modern facilities, and the increased grant will further improve their living and educational support.
Government Emphasizes Education as Tool for Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary urged students to treat education as their most powerful tool. He encouraged them to adopt discipline, hard work, and follow the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to contribute to building an equal and just society.
He also emphasized that education remains central to Bihar’s social transformation agenda.
Key Welfare Schemes and Achievements Highlighted
The SC/ST Welfare Department highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including:
- Civil Services Incentive Scheme: Assistance increased up to ₹1 lakh; 6,223 beneficiaries supported
- Construction of girls’ hostels in all 38 districts of Bihar
- Progress in National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
- Completion of 279 out of 357 Tharuhat development projects
- Construction of 4,858 community buildings under Mahadalit Development Mission
- 24×7 functioning ‘Sahyata’ call centre for public assistance
Leadership Presence at the Event
The programme was attended by several senior leaders including:
- Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar
- Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha
- Ministers from various departments and senior officials
- Large presence of students and departmental representatives
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Additional Secretary Gautam Paswan.
The Bihar government’s decision to double the hostel grant marks a major step toward strengthening educational support for SC/ST students. Combined with large-scale welfare schemes and infrastructure expansion, the initiative aims to promote inclusive education, empowerment, and equal opportunity across the state.
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