Bihar education minister says Vidya Saathi app has 3 lakh users, 73% from rural areas

In a recent press statement released after a review meeting of the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), Mithilesh Tiwari, the education minister, announced that more than 3 lakh students have joined the Bihar Vidya Saathi app within a month of its launch. He also mentioned that among the registered students, 73 percent of them belong to rural areas.

During the meeting, Tiwari also reviewed preparations to link students’ APAAR IDs with face ID at examination centres, which can make identification secure and also improve the examination process. He directed that vocational courses which are outdated should be reviewed and replaced with modern, employment-oriented programmes.

The meeting was held at the BSEB auditorium to review the board’s functioning, vocational education and measures to improve students’ educational and career opportunities. Along with Tiwari, Rajiv Roshan, education department secretary, S Thyagarajan, BSEB Chairman and other officials were present at the meeting.

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APAAR ID, vocational courses under review

Tiwari said that BSEB should increase awareness about vocational education among students and show ITIs and industrial training as career options. He directed officials to replace less relevant courses with skill-based courses like animation design, artificial intelligence, mobile repairing, robotics, electrical and electronics.

Officials also discussed the preparations that are needed to introduce the face ID system and ensure its smooth introduction during examinations. The move will make student identification easier and more reliable and prevent impersonation.

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Focus on dropouts, Simultala admissions, results

The meeting also included discussions on measures that will reduce school dropouts among students who do not study after Class 10. Officials have been asked to create a strategy which can connect these students with skill training. They might be given financial incentives which will encourage students to remain students.

Students who secure first division in Class 10 and Class 12 will also be issued letters from now onwards. It was also discussed that admission to Simultala Residential School will be made easier for talented students.

It was also discussed that results for computer-based tests (CBTs) will be declared on time. Officials will now use technology to make examinations transparent and ensure results are published on time. Quality academic support for students in rural areas will also be given through digital platforms.