The government of Bihar, India, intends to open 5,000 new schools in the state in an attempt to tackle problems that can be resolved through girls’ education.
Bihar females face a plethora of problems, such as child marriage and female foeticide and a high fertility rate. The chief minister, Nitish Kumar, stated that his government aims to open 1,000 new schools a year. He stressed that the only way to face these issues is through education.
Kumar reported that the fertility rate is 3.6%, noting that if girls matriculate and are educated, the rate drops down to 2%. He also stated that if attempts are made now, the population will stabilize by 2040.
According to Kumar, the number of girl students has increased due to the government’s initiatives, such as free uniforms and bicycles. Although problems such as female foeticide continue despite their being illegal, Kumar stated that this problem could over time become resolved thanks to an education reform.
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Written by Nina Thurau