Four blocks of Buxar to get degree colleges

Buxar: In a major push to strengthen higher education in rural Bihar, the state govt has approved the opening of new degree colleges in 213 identified blocks across the state, with the aim of ensuring that undergraduate education is available closer to students’ homes.As part of this initiative, Brahmapur, Kesath, Chakki and Chaugain blocks of Buxar district have been selected, bringing much-needed relief to students from rural areas who have long struggled to access higher education facilities.At present, students from these four blocks are compelled to travel to the district headquarters or neighbouring districts to pursue graduation courses. This has resulted in high dropout rates, particularly among girls, due to safety concerns, long travel hours and financial constraints faced by families.“With a college in our own block, we won’t have to travel 40-50km every day,” said Ravi Kumar Yadav, an Intermediate student from Chakki. “Many of my friends dropped out because their families couldn’t afford hostel or travel expenses,” he added.The absence of nearby degree colleges has been a major obstacle for female students, many of whom discontinue their education after completing intermediate studies.“My parents were hesitant to send me outside the district. If a degree college opens here, I can complete my studies safely and continue preparing for competitive exams,” said Suman Kumari, a student from Kesath.

In line with chief minister Nitish Kumar’s vision of decentralising education, the education department has initiated the process of identifying suitable land and preparing infrastructure plans in the selected blocks.An official from the department said the objective is to strengthen the higher education ecosystem in rural Bihar and ensure equal opportunities for students from all social and economic backgrounds.“This is true decentralisation of education,” said Anil Kumar, a senior teacher from Brahmapur. “When colleges reach villages, talent that remained hidden due to poverty and distance will finally come forward,” he added.Residents of the four blocks believe that the new colleges will not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region by generating employment opportunities and reducing migration to cities.“For poor and middle-class families, this is a dream come true,” said Sita Ram Singh, a senior JD(U) leader of the district and a local guardian from Chaugain. “Our children can now study without leaving home,” Singh added.