In a recent interaction with ANI’s Smita Prakash, Jan Suraaj founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor unveiled an ambitious ten-year roadmap to transform Bihar’s school education landscape, pledging Rs 1 lakh crore investment focused on delivering world-class education to children below the age of 15.
Rejecting personal political ambitions, Kishor clarified that the reform proposal is not contingent on him becoming Chief Minister. “This is not about power or positions. It is about building a system where every child in Bihar, regardless of their background, receives a quality education that empowers them for life,” he told.
Netarhat-Inspired Schools Across Blocks
At the core of Kishor’s proposal is the establishment of five high-quality model schools in every block of Bihar, inspired by the Netarhat Residential School, renowned for producing over 1,500 civil servants. Originally in Bihar, Netarhat now lies in Jharkhand following state bifurcation.
“Most students from Netarhat came from modest backgrounds, yet went on to achieve excellence. We aim to recreate that success at scale by building at least five such institutions in each block,” Kishor said.
Under current fiscal capacities, Kishor estimates one school can be developed per block annually, leading to 2,500 schools in five years and 5,000 within a decade.
A Scandinavian Model for Access
Kishor also emphasised the importance of accessibility, advocating for a transport-based model inspired by Scandinavian countries. Rather than placing one school in every village, his plan focuses on transporting students to quality institutions.
“In cities like Delhi, children often travel several kilometres to reach good schools. Why can’t we do the same here with school buses? With five schools per block, no child should have to travel more than 20 minutes,” he explained.
Public Funding for Private Education
To provide immediate relief where government schools fall short, Kishor proposed a regulated state-funded private education model. Under this system, economically weaker families unsatisfied with their local government schools could opt for private education, with the government covering the standardised fees.
He addressed concerns over the privatisation of education, stating, “There is a misconception that government schools are free. On average, the state already spends around Rs 850 per student annually, while many private schools function efficiently at Rs250 to Rs400 per child. The goal is not to replace public schools, but to offer a dignified choice.”
Kishor added that aspirational families often prefer reputable government institutions if they are of high quality. “Ask any parent whether they’d prefer Patna Medical College or a private college with high fees — the majority will choose the former if quality is assured,” he noted.
Budget Allocation and Timeline
The proposed Rs1 lakh crore education investment would be spread over a decade and divided into three strategic components:
* One-third to construct new model schools at a world-class standard.
* One-third to upgrade infrastructure and teaching quality in existing government schools.
* One-third to fund the education of underprivileged children in regulated private institutions.
Kishor projected that 500 schools could be built annually, totalling 5,000 in ten years. This phased approach, he said, aligns with existing budgetary limitations and avoids overpromising.
“We’re not here to win three elections,” Kishor asserted. “If we can deliver on our promises in five years, the next election will take care of itself. But education reform takes time — it won’t happen overnight.”
A Long-Term Vision
Kishor reiterated that Jan Suraaj’s core agenda is education, particularly foundational learning from birth to age 15. He acknowledged that systemic reform requires sustained political will, efficient governance, and public accountability.
“If we truly want Bihar to change, we must start with our children. Education must be the centrepiece of any long-term development plan,” he concluded.
