Bihar’s new scholarship scheme, launched on June 12, 2025, aims to empower rural girls by providing financial aid for education. Targeting students from economically weaker sections, it covers tuition, books, and travel expenses. The initiative seeks to boost female literacy and reduce dropout rates, fostering gender equality and brighter futures for girls in rural Bihar.
Bihar’s Bold Step to Uplift Rural Girls Through Education
On June 12, 2025, the Bihar government unveiled a transformative scholarship program designed to empower girls from rural areas by removing financial barriers to education. Announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a ceremony in Patna, the scheme targets female students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering comprehensive support to pursue secondary and higher education. The initiative is part of the state’s broader vision to enhance female literacy and promote gender equality across rural regions.
The scholarship, named “Beti Padhao Yojana,” provides annual financial assistance of up to ₹20,000 per student, covering tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms, and transportation costs. Eligible candidates include girls from families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, studying in Classes 9 to 12 or enrolled in undergraduate courses. The program prioritizes students from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), to address systemic inequalities.
According to the 2021 Census, Bihar’s female literacy rate stands at 61.8%, significantly lower than the national average of 70.3%. Rural areas, where access to schools is limited and financial constraints are acute, face even steeper challenges. The state government aims to bridge this gap by supporting 50,000 girls in the first phase of the scheme, with plans to expand coverage in subsequent years. Applications are processed through an online portal, ensuring transparency and accessibility, with disbursements directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts linked to Aadhaar.
Officials from the Education Department highlighted that the scholarship addresses key factors contributing to high dropout rates among girls, such as early marriage and financial pressures. “This is a game-changer for rural Bihar. By easing the economic burden, we’re enabling girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams,” said Education Minister Sunil Kumar. The scheme also includes mentorship programs, where teachers and local NGOs guide students on career paths and life skills, further strengthening its impact.
The initiative has garnered praise from educationists and activists. Anjali Kumari, a Patna-based women’s rights advocate, noted, “This scholarship is a step toward dismantling barriers that have long held back rural girls. It’s not just about money—it’s about giving them hope and opportunity.” However, some challenges remain, including ensuring last-mile connectivity for application processes in remote areas and addressing infrastructural gaps in rural schools.
The government has allocated ₹200 crore for the scheme in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with additional funding expected from central schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Local leaders and community organizations have been tasked with raising awareness to ensure maximum outreach. The scholarship is seen as a critical move to align Bihar with India’s broader goals of achieving universal education and gender parity by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent announcements from the Bihar government and insights from education experts. Information is sourced from official statements, press releases, and reliable news reports. Readers are advised to verify details through official government portals for application processes and eligibility criteria.