Patna: Minority welfare minister Mohammad Zama Khan on Friday announced that four new minority residential schools will begin academic operations on Aug 17. The new campuses, located in Jamui, Nalanda, Kaimur, and Muzaffarpur, will take the total number of operational minority residential schools in the state to six.Speaking to reporters, Khan stated that the state govt aims to establish at least one such school across every district under the Bihar State Minority Residential School Scheme, launched in 2018-19. Approvals have already been granted for 24 districts so far. These institutions cater to meritorious students from Class 9 to Class 12, offering free boarding, lodging, and study materials.Highlighting the success of the existing operational schools in Darbhanga and Kishanganj, department secretary Mohammed Sohail said 90% of students in Classes 10 and 12 secured a first division. Furthermore, 20 out of 29 students receiving special coaching cleared the IIT-JEE, while 38 out of 46 qualified for NEET.To modernise traditional educational institutions, the department is also rolling out smart classes and modern curricula, including English, mathematics, and science, in Madrasas, particularly in border regions. Skill development programmes in collaboration with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) are being introduced to enhance employability.Addressing recruitment issue, Khan said requisitions have been sent to the BPSC for 288 teaching posts through TRE-4, as well as 459 block minority welfare officers (BMWOs) and 1 district minority welfare officer through the 71st BPSC examination. A request for 459 lower division clerks has also been sent to the BPSC.On economic empowerment, Khan shared that loans worth Rs100 crore were disbursed to 1,247 beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Udyami Yojana in FY 2025-26, benefiting 3,741 youth till date.
