Patna: In a major step toward promoting education for underprivileged communities, the State-Level Scheme Evaluation-cum-Convergence Committee of the Pradhan Mantri Scheduled Caste Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) has approved the construction of 10 new hostels for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students across Bihar.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department, held in Patna. Senior officials and district welfare officers participated, with many joining through video conferencing.
Muzaffarpur to Receive the Largest Share
Among the six selected districts, Muzaffarpur emerged as the biggest beneficiary, set to receive four new hostels. Other hostels will be constructed in Patna (2), and one each in Darbhanga, Begusarai, Buxar, and Khagaria.
District-Wise Hostel Allocation:
- Muzaffarpur – 4 Hostels
- Patna – 2 Hostels
- Darbhanga – 1 Hostel
- Begusarai – 1 Hostel
- Buxar – 1 Hostel
- Khagaria – 1 Hostel
This initiative aims to reduce regional disparities in access to educational infrastructure and provide better support to Dalit and tribal students.
Addressing Dropout Rates Among SC-ST Students
Government officials emphasized that many promising students from SC and ST communities are often forced to abandon their education due to the lack of proper accommodation and support systems. These new hostels aim to provide safe, secure, and inclusive residential facilities, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
This move is part of the broader PM-AJAY framework, which focuses on upliftment through education, social empowerment, and livelihood development.
Senior Officials Emphasize Long-Term Vision
The meeting was attended by the Director, Additional Secretary, Deputy Director (HQ), and other senior officials of the department, along with nodal officers from different departments. They reiterated the state’s commitment to implementing more education-centric initiatives under PM-AJAY to bridge social and economic gaps.
This decision marks not just an infrastructure upgrade, but a strategic investment in the future of Bihar’s marginalized communities.
A New Chapter for Education in Bihar
This initiative signals a new era in Bihar’s commitment to inclusive education, especially for students from Dalit and tribal backgrounds. With residential support, these students are more likely to continue their studies, excel academically, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
