No other state in India sees its government school teachers featured in viral videos as frequently as Bihar does. These videos, often amusing to outsiders, showcase reporters asking the simplest of questions — such as spelling a month’s name or naming the country’s president — only for the teachers to falter embarrassingly. For those of us who hail from Bihar, this is a source of deep shame rather than humour.

Both the central and state governments have recognised the dire state of education in Bihar and have taken steps to address it. Substantial funds have been allocated to build new schools, resulting in numerous colourful buildings dotting the landscape. Various initiatives have been launched to incentivise students, including free meals and attractive prizes, and large-scale recruitment drives have been conducted. Yet, despite these efforts, the fundamental issue — the quality of education — remains largely unaddressed.

The Union Budget 2024 has allocated funds for new medical colleges, higher education institutions, and, for the first time, the development of sports infrastructure in Bihar, though specific amounts have not been disclosed. However, this is not the first time Bihar has received significant financial support from the central government for educational initiatives. In the past, substantial funds were sanctioned with the same intent, but the lack of effective quality control has led to unsatisfactory, or rather disappointing outcomes. Moreover, without a solid foundation in school education, the establishment of higher institutions alone cannot yield the desired outcome.

From Halls of Learning to Hurdles
Unlike today, Bihar was once a distinguished centre of learning, home to one of India’s oldest universities, established as early as the fifth century. The state boasted a rich educational heritage rooted in ancient traditions, which was eventually eroded by various invasions and political upheavals. However, during the British Raj, there was a revival with the establishment of prestigious institutions like Patna Science College, Prince of Wales Medical College (now Patna Medical College and Hospital), Bihar Engineering College (now National Institute of Technology, Patna), and others, some of which are now in the state of Jharkhand. These institutions upheld high standards of education at the national level. It was only in the later part of the 20th century that Bihar began to grapple with numerous socio-economic challenges, pushing it significantly behind in the race for educational excellence. From being a centre of academic excellence to now ranking near the bottom in terms of higher education (with only 33% of the population having secondary or higher education), Bihar's journey has been a challenging one.

Some Statistics
Of all the states of the country, Bihar has one of the highest population growth rates (3 children per woman and about 1.5 % growth rate as against the national average of 0.9 %) and one of the lowest per capita incomes, at Rs 60,000 — about 30% of what an Indian national makes. The state’s urbanisation rate is also very low, with only 12% of the population living in urban areas compared to the national average of 35%, while the remaining 88% reside in rural regions.

In rural Bihar, educational attainment is notably low. Among individuals aged 15 and above, 23.7% of males are illiterate, only 8.2% are graduates, and just 0.4% hold postgraduate degrees. For females, the situation is even more dire, with 44.8% being illiterate, 3.4% having graduated, and only 0.1% having achieved postgraduate qualifications.

Although urban areas, which represent only 12% of the state’s population, show some improvement, the statistics are still concerning. In these areas, 11.3% of males are illiterate, 23% have graduated, and 61.9% have secondary education or higher. For females in urban regions, 25.5% are illiterate, 15.1% are graduates, and 48.3% have secondary education or higher. The participation in diploma and certificate courses remains extremely low.

Although Bihar has made strides in improving its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the elementary and middle school levels, reaching near-national averages, and has seen its literacy rate rise to 61% — compared to the national average of 73% — challenges persist at higher education levels. Enrolment rates in secondary schools and beyond remain notably low. Only 33% of the entire population (rural and urban combined) has secondary or higher education. Additionally, the state struggles with a high dropout rate, and the density of colleges, measured as the number of colleges per lakh of population, is the lowest among Indian states.

Beyond the Bricks: Way ahead
The statistical figures underscore the extensive educational challenges faced by Bihar, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve literacy and educational attainment across both rural and urban areas. While improvements in ‘physical infrastructure’ have been significant, thanks to various government grants, the issue of ‘quality education’ remains pressing.

A critical factor hindering Bihar’s progress in higher education is the troubling state of its primary and secondary education system. A robust foundation in these early stages is essential for students to succeed in higher education and beyond. Without strengthening this base, Bihar’s aspirations for excellence in higher education will remain out of reach. While a small section of society may benefit, the majority will be left behind, trapped in the same vicious cycle of poverty. Education is a fundamental right, as highlighted by the UNDP in its 2020 report, which states that equitable access to quality education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Need for Consistent Quality Checks
To address the quality issues effectively, the government should implement regular and comprehensive quality checks. This can include periodic evaluations of educational institutions by independent accrediting bodies to assess teaching standards, curriculum relevance, and student outcomes. Establishing a robust system of accountability for educators, including performance reviews and ongoing professional development, will ensure that teachers remain competent and motivated. Additionally, introducing technology-driven monitoring tools can help track educational progress and identify areas needing improvement in real-time.

Addressing these challenges also requires a shift in perspective from personal gain to collective responsibility. Teaching should not be viewed merely as employment, but as a vocation requiring genuine capability and commitment. The future quality of education—and by extension, the quality of future generations—depends on the dedication and competence of our educators.

The revered status of the Guru, or teacher, in society is a testament to the vital role educators play, as reflected in the saying “Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwaraha …..” It is time to restore this respect by ensuring that teachers not only meet but exceed the standards expected of them. This "Agni Pareeksha," or trial by fire, must come from within—their own conscience, before coming from anywhere else, guiding them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and competence.

By implementing these measures, Bihar can take significant strides toward reclaiming its reputation as a centre of academic excellence. As the saying goes, “Not gold, but only men can make a nation great and strong.” It is through the unwavering dedication of educators and a collective commitment to educational excellence that Bihar can once again aspire to its historic status as a beacon of learning and progress.

Dr. Vaishnavi Sharma is an Economist with a PhD from Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai.