Patna, Aug. 7: Nearly 3,000 government schools across Bihar are operating without their own buildings, according to official data presented in the Bihar Legislative Assembly during the Monsoon Session, highlighting persistent infrastructure challenges in the state’s education sector.
As per UDISE+ 2025–26 data tabled in the House, a total of 2,996 government schools are functioning without permanent buildings. This includes 2,276 primary, middle and secondary schools spread across 35 districts and 720 higher secondary (Plus-Two) schools.
The issue was raised by Janata Dal (United) MLA Manjit Singh, who questioned how quality education could be ensured when thousands of students continue to study in schools lacking basic infrastructure. He also sought a timeline for the construction of permanent school buildings.
Responding to the concerns, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari acknowledged the shortage of school buildings and said the absence of land remains a major hurdle in several cases. He informed the Assembly that the Education Department has been directed to prepare a list of schools that have neither land nor buildings within a week so that appropriate action can be taken.
The minister said the government is committed to providing permanent infrastructure for all government schools in the state. For institutions where land is unavailable, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department will assist in identifying and allocating suitable land before construction begins.
Government data also showed that of Bihar’s 9,297 higher secondary schools, 720 are still operating without their own buildings. Officials said construction approval has already been granted for 677 of these schools.According to the government, administrative approval amounting to ₹834.18 crore has been issued for the construction projects, while nearly ₹284 crore has already been released to facilitate the work.
The government maintained that efforts are underway to improve educational infrastructure across Bihar through coordinated planning, land allocation and phased construction of new school buildings.
The disclosure has once again drawn attention to the need for faster infrastructure development to ensure students across the state have access to safe and well-equipped learning environments.
