Bihar Government Faces Backlash Over Decision to Discontinue Plus Two Classes in Colleges

According to the notification, intermediate education in all three streams - arts, science, and commerce - will now only be provided in higher secondary schools starting from the upcoming session

The recent decision by the Bihar government to discontinue plus two (intermediate) classes in colleges affiliated with various universities in the state has sparked widespread protests among intermediate students. The move, scheduled to take effect from April 1, has led to demonstrations outside political party offices in Patna, including those of the JD(U) and BJP.

Students voiced their discontent over the decision, emphasizing the challenges they would face due to the abrupt change in educational structure. One of the student, Sanjana, expressed concerns over the wasted academic year and financial implications, stating that they had already paid fees and taken admission based on the previous system.

In response to the protests, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary assured students that those who had already enrolled in class 11th would not be affected by the new directive. However, the announcement has prompted widespread dissatisfaction and calls for reconsideration.

The decision to discontinue plus two classes in colleges stems from a notification issued by the Education Department in February. The notification outlined plans to centralize intermediate education in higher secondary schools, citing a proposal in the Universities Act to segregate intermediate (plus two) education from colleges. Despite previous recommendations from the UGC and Administrative Reforms Commission to separate intermediate education from degree colleges, certain universities in Bihar continued to offer such programs.

The ongoing protests underscore the significant impact of the government's decision on students' academic pursuits and financial investments. With tensions running high, students are calling for a reconsideration of the policy and urging authorities to address their grievances effectively.