
Bihar cabinet approves scholarship hike, music college, police strengthening
India Today
The Bihar cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved 31 proposals on Tuesday, including major hikes in student scholarships, the construction of a new music college, and measures to strengthen the state's police force. The decisions are expected to benefit lakhs of students and improve security across Bihar.
The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved 31 proposals, clearing a series of decisions aimed at improving student welfare, strengthening security, and expanding cultural and educational infrastructure in the state.
One of the key decisions was a major increase in the pre-matric scholarship amount for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, effective from the financial year 2025-26. The scholarship, which had remained unchanged since 2011, has now been doubled.
Under the revised scheme, students from Classes 1 to 4 will receive Rs 1,200 per year, while those in Classes 5 and 6 will get Rs 2,400 annually. Students from Classes 7 to 10 will receive Rs 3,600 each year.
For students living in hostels from Classes 1 to 10, the annual scholarship has been raised to Rs 6,000.
Officials said nearly 27 lakh students studying in government and recognised schools across Bihar will benefit from the enhanced assistance.
The state government is expected to spend Rs 519.64 crore on the scheme.

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