The Bihar government’s ambitious move to open new state-run degree colleges across 211 blocks has run into several ground-level challenges. While the initiative was announced as a major step towards expanding access to higher education in rural areas, an Aaj Tak reality check found that many newly inaugurated colleges are still struggling with basic infrastructure, permanent staff and academic resources.

Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary inaugurated the colleges through video conferencing on July 15, 2026, with the government stating that the move would allow students to pursue undergraduate education closer to their homes. However, ground reports from Purnia, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj between July 15 and July 19 painted a different picture.

NEW COLLEGES, BUT NO PERMANENT CAMPUS IN SEVERAL DISTRICTS

The reality check revealed that many newly opened government degree colleges are functioning from temporary arrangements. Several institutions are operating from existing intermediate colleges, schools or other government buildings as permanent campuses are yet to be developed.

In many colleges, basic facilities such as libraries, books, furniture and other infrastructure are either incomplete or still under development. While some colleges have designated rooms for libraries, shelves were found without books during inspections.

The Bihar government has maintained that infrastructure development is being carried out in a phased manner.

TEACHERS MISSING DESPITE ADMISSIONS STARTING

One of the biggest challenges highlighted during the ground inspection was the shortage of teaching staff.

Although admissions have begun in several colleges for six subjects — History, Hindi, English, Political Science, Sociology and Economics — regular teachers have not yet been appointed in many institutions.

Most colleges are currently being managed by acting principals, bursars and teachers deputed from universities or existing government degree colleges.

THE CASE OF PURNIA

In Purnia district, six new government degree colleges have been established in areas including Kenagar, Srinagar, Jalalgarh, Rupauli and Baisi.

During the visit to Kenagar Government Degree College, around 120 students were found enrolled. While classrooms, tables and benches were available, the library room had no books.

Despite plans to offer six subjects, only two teachers were present — one teacher-in-charge serving as acting principal and another faculty member.

Kumari Madhulika, an English professor at Purnia Women’s College, has been appointed as acting principal on deputation, while Vandana Bharti from Purnia University has been given the responsibility of bursar.

The college administration said that regular classes for all subjects would be expanded as teachers become available.

THE CASE OF MUZAFFARPUR

At the Government Degree College in Sarfuddinpur under Bochahan block of Muzaffarpur district, 21 students have enrolled so far. Interestingly, 13 students have opted for History, but the college currently has no teacher for the subject.

The college is functioning inside an existing middle school campus. Ten classrooms of the school have been allocated for the degree college, forcing existing students to adjust in the remaining rooms.

The college currently has an acting principal, bursar and a night guard. Both the principal and bursar are serving on deputation from other institutions.

The college administration said that classes for all subjects would begin once required faculty members become available.

THE CASE OF SARAN

The Government Degree College in Ekma, Saran district, is currently operating from an existing Intermediate College building.

When the Aaj Tak team visited, construction work was underway on the premises. Facilities such as drinking water, toilets and furniture were still being developed.

The college has received approval for 288 admissions, of which 88 students have enrolled so far.

At present, only an acting principal and bursar are managing the institution on deputation. The admission process is also being supported by a computer teacher from the neighbouring Intermediate College.

The college administration said Arts classes have started, while additional subjects will be introduced after required approvals and resources become available.

THE CASE OF SIWAN

Siwan district has received ten new government degree colleges, including institutions in Lakri Nabiganj, Guthani, Darauli, Hussainganj, Basantpur, Daraudha, Nautan, Siswan, Andar and Bhagwanpur.

At Hussainganj Government Degree College, 64 students have enrolled so far. Despite plans to offer six subjects, only two teachers are currently available, both on deputation.

The college is also operating from another educational institution’s building.

Students welcomed the opening of a degree college in their locality but expressed concerns over the availability of teachers and academic facilities.

THE CASE OF GOPALGANJ

At Manjha Government Degree College in Gopalganj, 92 students have taken admission against 288 approved seats.

While teachers for Political Science and Economics are available, the college currently does not have faculty members for History, Hindi, English and Sociology.

Bursar Prof Rajeshwar Baitha said academic activities are being managed with the available faculty and classes for remaining subjects will begin after teachers are appointed.

The college is also functioning without a permanent building.

MINISTER ADMITS SHORTAGE

Speaking to Aaj Tak, Bihar Higher Education Minister Sanjay Singh ‘Tiger’ acknowledged that several newly opened colleges do not yet have permanent buildings or sufficient teaching staff.

The minister said the government decided to launch the colleges first, while recruitment of teachers, construction of buildings and development of facilities would be completed gradually.

According to him, the department is working continuously to ensure that the required resources are made available in phases.

ACHIEVEMENT MILESTONE OR HURRIED LAUNCH?

The launch of 211 government degree colleges marks one of Bihar’s biggest higher education expansion initiatives in recent years. However, the ground reality raises questions about whether these institutions were opened before adequate preparations were in place.

With the Samrat Chaudhary-led government approaching its first 100 days, the functioning of these colleges will be closely watched — especially whether the promise of accessible rural higher education translates into fully operational institutions with classrooms, teachers and basic facilities.

(with inputs from district reporters)

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Published By:

Karan Yadav

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 20:45 IST