Over 300,000 Students Join Bihar Vidya Saathi App, 73% from Rural Areas

Patna, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : The Bihar Vidya Saathi app has successfully connected over 300,000 students, with approximately 73% of them hailing from rural regions. Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced this milestone during a review meeting held at the Bihar School Examination Board auditorium. During the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, Tiwari emphasized the importance of enhancing the examination process to be more technology-driven, transparent, and secure.Discussions included linking student identification with facial recognition technology to strengthen the examination system and ensuring its effective implementation at exam centers. Tiwari also highlighted the need to align vocational education with current employment demands and technological advancements. He urged for increased awareness of vocational training among students and suggested a review of outdated trades and courses. The minister advocated for the introduction of modern, skill-based programs such as animation design, artificial intelligence, mobile repairing, robotics, and electrical and electronics training.Additionally, the meeting addressed ways to encourage high-achieving students by providing them with access to quality educational opportunities. Consideration was given to issuing certificates for students who achieve first-class results in their matriculation and intermediate exams. Efforts to facilitate admission for talented students into the Simultala Residential School were also discussed. The need to reduce school dropout rates was a significant topic.Strategies to connect students who do not progress from 10th to 12th grade with further education or skill training were emphasized. The idea of providing incentive grants to keep students engaged in their education was also considered. Lastly, the meeting focused on ensuring timely results for computer-based tests (CBT). The aim is to make the examination process more efficient through technology and to guarantee punctual publication of results. Efforts to expand access to quality educational support for students in rural and remote areas via digital platforms were also underscored.Tiwari concluded the meeting with a commitment to improving Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and promoting them as viable career options for students.