Bihar's Youth Voice: Education Reform and Job Creation Top Priorities for Upcoming Elections

Around 14 lakh first-time voters are expected to participate in Bihar's elections on November 6 and 11.

Patna:

College students in Bihar, many voting for the first time, are concerned about the lack of employment opportunities that forces many graduates to migrate from the state. They are seeking a government committed to strengthening education and creating jobs.

These young voters express frustration with irregular government recruitment processes, frequently compromised by examination paper leaks and delayed schedules.

According to Election Commission data, approximately 14 lakh youth will cast their first votes in the upcoming two-phase assembly elections on November 6 and 11. Voters aged 18-29, totaling 1.63 crore, represent roughly 22-25 percent of Bihar's electorate.

"Our expectations from the current government have completely diminished," said Abhinav Kumar Shukla, a Hindi Department postgraduate student at Patna University, while preparing for his STET examinations in a corridor connecting the English Department with its French-style administrative building.

Shukla, from Bhabhua town in Kaimur district, believes "widespread employment generation within the state" is urgently needed.

Santosh Kumar, a visually impaired student from Jamui district studying at Patna College, remarked, "Patna University's present must match its past. Its alumni are exceptional, but its current condition is substandard." Once known as the 'Oxford of the East,' Patna College, a constituent of Patna University, now appears largely vacant, with overgrown grounds and empty hallways.

Patna University has historically been a center of political activism, producing prominent intellectuals, thinkers, and literary figures. Notable political leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and J P Nadda are alumni. Political awareness remains strong among current students.

Regarding central university status for Patna University, Santosh noted, "While central universities aren't necessarily better, we definitely support this status for our institution."

Ravindra Kumar Singh from Kaimur district, studying at Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow but residing in a Patna University hostel for visually impaired students, stated, "The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 isn't being properly implemented in Bihar. I'll vote for a party prioritizing education, which would likely better implement this legislation."

Ravindra highlighted the absence of audio labs and other essential facilities for differently-abled students in Bihar's universities.

Prashant Kishor's campaign promise that "Bihar's youth won't have to leave the state for employment" if his party wins appears to resonate with some students.

Mehzabin Firdaus, a first-year BA Urdu student at Patna College who will vote for the first time, finds Kishor's Jan Suraaj party promising, though she mentioned she would "seek family advice" before voting.

Gaurav Kumar, a Psychology Department postgraduate student voting for his second time, believes "health and education sectors are in terrible condition" with "rampant corruption." He identified migration as another critical issue in Bihar.

"Jehanabad, our region, suffered severely under RJD rule. We don't want to experience that again," he said.

Regarding Prashant Kishor, he commented, "At least he addresses important issues, makes realistic campaign promises, and fields candidates with clean records." However, he acknowledged that "his party's chances of winning are slim."

At Patna Science College's cricket ground, D K Pratap from Bettiah believes "the NDA government has completely failed regarding education, employment, and controlling out-migration." He hopes the INDIA bloc can address Bihar's challenges.

Dhruv Kumar, an undergraduate Geography student at Patna College, expressed disappointment: "I enrolled with high expectations. Except for a few professors, most use outdated teaching methods." He added, "Ignorance flows downward through the education system... I considered withdrawing. My local college in Rohtas would at least be more convenient."

He stated his voting decision would depend on evaluating candidate quality in his area.

Another Patna College student from Purnea, who remained anonymous, said the "implementation of the New Education Policy is inadequate." He wishes to see emerging young leaders with fresh perspectives "who understand modern educational requirements."

Anshali Pathak from Saran emphasized strengthening educational fundamentals and developing civic awareness and discipline, which she believes "requires collaborative efforts between an appropriate government and citizens."