Bihar Legislative Council, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar engaged in a heated exchange with members of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) over the state of girls’ education in Bihar. The incident underscored the significant advancements made in this sector under Kumar’s administration and highlighted ongoing challenges.
The discussion was initiated by RJD Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Urmila Thakur, who expressed concerns about the limited availability of schools for girls in her constituency, particularly in the Begusarai district. Thakur pointed out that in numerous villages, girls were compelled to traverse distances of four to five kilometers to reach the nearest school, a factor that discourages many from pursuing education.
Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Kumar defended his government’s efforts to promote girls’ education. He asserted that prior to his tenure, village girls seldom attended school, implying that the current administration had implemented substantial reforms to alter this scenario. Kumar’s reaction was notably impassioned, reflecting his commitment to the initiatives undertaken during his leadership.
Thakur, maintaining her stance, acknowledged her rural background and shared that despite belonging to an older generation, she had completed her schooling. This personal anecdote was intended to illustrate that educational pursuits among village girls were not unprecedented. The exchange intensified when another RJD MLC, Munni Devi Rajak, interjected, emphasizing the legislators’ right to question the government and the administration’s duty to provide answers.
Chief Minister Kumar, visibly agitated, criticized the opposition for their perceived lack of contribution to women’s advancement. He specifically targeted former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, recalling how she assumed office under challenging circumstances when her husband, Lalu Prasad, faced legal issues related to the fodder scam. Kumar accused the RJD of inaction regarding women’s welfare, asserting that his administration had been the primary catalyst for positive change in this domain.
Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, Bihar has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing girls’ education. One notable outcome of these efforts is the reduction in the state’s fertility rate. When Kumar assumed office, the fertility rate stood at 4.3. Through sustained educational campaigns and policies encouraging female literacy, this rate has declined to 2.9. The Chief Minister has set an ambitious target to further reduce it to 2.
The administration’s strategies have included providing financial incentives for girls to attend school, improving infrastructure to make schools more accessible, and implementing programs to raise awareness about the importance of female education. These measures have contributed to a significant increase in female enrollment in schools across the state.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where infrastructural limitations and socio-cultural factors continue to hinder girls’ access to education. Concerns like those raised by MLC Thakur highlight the need for ongoing efforts to ensure that educational facilities are within reasonable reach for all students, irrespective of their location.
The exchange in the Legislative Council reflects the broader political dynamics in Bihar, where debates over development and social welfare are often contentious. While the government showcases its achievements, the opposition underscores areas requiring further attention, advocating for equitable development across all regions.
In conclusion, the recent debate in the Bihar Legislative Council sheds light on the state’s progress and ongoing challenges in promoting girls’ education. While significant strides have been made under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration, the concerns raised by opposition members serve as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that every girl in Bihar has access to quality education without undue hardship.
