Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana: Transforming Girls' Education in Bihar

When Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assumed office in 2005, he initiated several schemes to promote girls' education, with the Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana being one of the most transformative. The idea for this scheme arose from a survey that revealed a significant lack of female students in government schools. The root cause was identified as financial constraints, particularly the inability of families to provide school uniforms for their daughters. Determined to address this barrier, Nitish Kumar launched the scheme to ensure that no girl misses school due to the lack of proper attire.

Under the Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana, financial assistance is provided to girls studying in government schools to purchase uniforms. Girls in classes 1 and 2 receive ₹600 annually, those in classes 3 to 5 are allotted ₹700, students in classes 6 to 8 receive ₹1,000, and girls in classes 9 to 12 are granted ₹1,500 each year. Since its inception in 2018, the scheme has aimed to encourage girls' education and empower them for a brighter future. Nitish Kumar often emphasizes that educating girls can curb social evils like child marriage and the dowry system, while also reducing fertility rates. Bihar's fertility rate, once at 4.3, has dropped to 2.9, thanks to improved education systems and initiatives like this scheme.

Over time, the scheme has undergone enhancements to benefit both students and the local economy. Now, the government mandates that uniforms must be purchased from Jeevika groups or clusters involved in entrepreneurship development. These groups use locally produced fabrics to sew dresses, boosting the income of women associated with Jeevika and promoting local industries. The financial assistance is directly transferred to the accounts of girl students, who then purchase two stitched uniforms from these Jeevika groups, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

The Mukhyamantri Balika Poshak Yojana has garnered national and international recognition, with other Indian states adopting similar programs under different names. Delegates visiting Bihar from abroad frequently inquire about the scheme's format and impact. The initiative has not only increased school attendance among girls but has also fostered social equality and self-reliance among young women.

By addressing a critical issue and empowering young girls, the scheme has proven to be a game-changer for Bihar's educational landscape. It has earned widespread praise for its role in promoting education, reducing social disparities, and contributing to the overall progress of the state.