KKN Gurugram Desk | In a groundbreaking move to promote local language and enhance skill development, Bihar’s Education Department has announced that students in government schools across the state will now be taught in Bhojpuri up to class three. This initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at improving education quality and preparing students for the future. Dr. S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Bihar’s Education Department, shared these updates during the “Shiksha Ki Baat” program on Saturdays, where he answers questions about the state’s educational policies.

Bihar Government Schools to Offer Bhojpuri Language Instruction

In a unique decision, the Bihar Education Department has declared that Bhojpuri, a widely spoken language in the state, will be introduced as the medium of instruction for students up to Class 3 in government schools. This initiative aims to foster cultural inclusivity and strengthen the bond between students and their regional language, providing them with a comfortable and relatable educational experience from an early age.

Dr. S. Siddharth explained that the decision to use Bhojpuri as a language of instruction will not only preserve the language but also help students understand complex concepts in a language they are more familiar with. This policy is expected to bridge the gap between traditional education and local culture, making education more accessible and inclusive for rural and urban students alike.

Bhojpuri, being a language spoken by millions across Bihar and neighboring regions, will help students grasp educational content in a more effective way. It is expected that students will transition smoothly to mainstream education in Hindi and English as they progress to higher grades.

Focus on Skill Development and Time Management

Apart from the language shift, the new educational framework in Bihar schools will emphasize skill development and personal management. In addition to academic learning, students will be taught essential life skills, including time management. This new approach is designed to ensure that both teachers and students manage their time effectively, helping them complete tasks efficiently and stay organized throughout the academic year.

Dr. Siddharth stressed that teaching time management is crucial, not only for academic success but also for personal growth. The objective is to instill in students the importance of punctuality, discipline, and the ability to prioritize tasks, which are key skills needed in their future endeavors.

Incorporating Cultural Programs and Community Engagement

In another significant development, Bihar schools will now introduce louder and more engaging cultural programs. To ensure that all school activities are heard by the local community, schools will be equipped with loudspeakers. Dr. Siddharth highlighted that the purpose of installing these loudspeakers is to increase the visibility of school events. By amplifying the sounds of prayers, music, and cultural events, the initiative aims to bring local communities closer to the school’s activities.

The loudspeakers will also serve an important function by making it easier for parents to stay informed about what is happening at school. If students are absent, the sound of ongoing activities will alert parents to the fact that their children are at home, encouraging them to send their children to school. This step is expected to improve school attendance rates and ensure that more children benefit from the school system.

Improving School Admissions Through Community Participation

To boost school enrollment, Dr. Siddharth announced that local leaders, including village heads (Mukhiya), Anganwadi workers, and Jeevika Didis (rural women community leaders), will play an active role in engaging the community. These meetings will focus on educating parents about the importance of enrolling their children in school and ensuring that every child receives an education.

The initiative also involves sensitizing the community about the benefits of education, highlighting the long-term positive impact that attending school can have on children’s futures. Dr. Siddharth emphasized that these efforts would play a crucial role in increasing student enrollment, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state.

Fostering National Pride and Cleanliness Awareness in Schools

Alongside academic and skill-based learning, Bihar schools will also focus on inculcating a sense of national pride and cleanliness among students. Special sessions will be organized to teach students the national anthem, national song, and activities that promote patriotism and national integration. This initiative is expected to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in students, helping them become more conscious of their duties as citizens.

Furthermore, cleanliness will be a key focus, with students being taught about hygiene and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. These activities will be designed to instill values such as respect for the environment, proper waste management, and the significance of personal hygiene, which are essential for maintaining public health.

Launching Online Attendance System in Six Districts

To further streamline the education system, the Bihar Education Department is launching an online attendance system in 30 schools across six districts starting from May 2025. This digital initiative aims to ensure that attendance records are more accurate and transparent. Parents and school authorities will have real-time access to attendance data, which is expected to improve student monitoring and overall school management.

The online attendance system will also help track students’ participation in school activities and ensure that no student is left behind. The system is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing absenteeism and improving educational outcomes for students in the state.

Ensuring Holistic Development: An Integrated Approach to Education

The new policies introduced by the Bihar Education Department are part of a broader effort to ensure the holistic development of students. This comprehensive approach includes focusing not only on academic success but also on character building, life skills, and community engagement. By integrating cultural activities, time management training, and skill development into the curriculum, the department aims to produce well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.

In addition, the inclusion of Bhojpuri as a medium of instruction highlights the importance of respecting regional languages and cultures in the education system. This step reflects Bihar’s commitment to making education more inclusive and accessible to all students, especially those from rural areas where Bhojpuri is widely spoken.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the new policies are well-intentioned, their success will depend on the effective implementation of these changes at the ground level. Teachers, local leaders, and parents will need to work together to ensure that these reforms achieve the desired outcomes. Additionally, the infrastructure for digital systems such as the online attendance system will need to be strengthened to ensure smooth operation across all districts.

Moreover, ensuring that the quality of education remains high while integrating these new initiatives will require continuous training and support for teachers. The state government will need to focus on teacher training programs to ensure that educators are equipped to handle the new curriculum and teaching methodologies effectively.

The Bihar Education Department’s new initiatives represent a significant step towards transforming the state’s education system. By introducing Bhojpuri as a medium of instruction, emphasizing skill development, and enhancing cultural programs, Bihar is setting a precedent for educational reforms that focus on holistic development.

These changes are expected to benefit not only students but also the wider community, as they promote greater parental involvement, respect for local culture, and national pride. As Bihar continues to improve its educational infrastructure and systems, these reforms could serve as a model for other states in India to follow.

Through these efforts, Bihar is positioning itself to create an education system that caters to the diverse needs of its population, ensuring that every child receives an education that prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.