In a significant push to ease the financial burden on marginalized students, the Bihar government has proposed doubling the monthly scholarship for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) students residing in Dr Ambedkar Welfare Hostels—from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

The proposal, drafted by the Department of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, is set to be placed before the State Cabinet for approval. If cleared, the revised stipend will be implemented across the state, directly benefiting thousands of students dependent on government support for their education.

Stipend boost aimed at easing daily expenses

Officials say the proposed hike is designed to help students better manage day-to-day expenses while continuing their studies away from home. Many hostel residents rely heavily on the monthly scholarship to cover basic needs, making the increase a potentially crucial intervention.

The move is part of a broader effort by the state to strengthen support for students from socially and economically weaker sections. While scholarship revisions have been rolled out earlier for school students, this proposal shifts the focus to those living in welfare hostels.

10,000 students across 139 hostels in focus

The government estimates that around 10,000 students staying in 139 Dr Ambedkar Welfare Hostels across Bihar will benefit from the enhanced stipend.

These hostels offer more than accommodation, providing access to digital classrooms, libraries, and structured academic support. In addition to the stipend, students receive 15 kg of food grains every month—9 kg of rice and 6 kg of wheat—helping reduce their cost of living.

If approved, the scholarship hike is expected to strengthen this support system and provide tangible relief to students navigating financial constraints while pursuing education.

The proposal now awaits Cabinet clearance, which will determine its rollout and impact on the ground.