Steep fall in primary school attendance in Bihar, concedes govt

Steep fall in primary school attendance in Bihar, concedes govt

Patna,(BiharTimes): The Bihar government on Friday conceded that there was sharp decline in attend in primary schools of the state.

Replying to a question of Basudeo Singh (CPM) Education Minister P K Shahi said in the state legislative council that attendance in some schools has come down to 50%.

He admitted that despite budgetary allocation of 13% of the total plan outlay, the government has not been able to achieve the target of attendance. He admitted that progress in the education sector was slow. The minister said that the state government do not have any magic wand to make improvements overnight.

The minister said in each block there were at least 150-200 primary schools. The officials have been asked to make frequent visits to these schools. Each official would have to visit schools for at least four days in a week for proper monitoring.

Shahi said in order to improve the quality of education a 20-point monitoring parameter has been prepared. He also said a large number of teachers would be appointed by the year-end.

Shahi said the Centre has okayed a proposal to set up 368 model schools in backward blocks of the state under a centrally-sponsored project.