Higher Education in Bihar: Dimensions of Diversity and Discrimination

Diversity, discrimination and equity are three aspects which play an important role in education. The goal of higher education of imparting knowledge and career preparation needs to be combined with a third national goal of bringing equity in the higher education. These three can together strengthen the education system of the country. Presently there are 33 universities in Bihar compared to 1043 universities in India. However, the literacy rate of Bihar has improved significantly during the last decade, from 47.0 percent in 2001 to 61.8 percent in 2011. This implies an increase of 14.8 percentage points during the decade. The Gross Enrolment Ratio in Higher education in Bihar is 14.5 percent in the age-group of 18-23 years. For Scheduled Castes it is 11.4 percent and 21.4 percent for Scheduled Tribes respectively. All these indicators need to be re-looked from policy perspective to enhance the enrolment and achievement in higher education in Bihar. 

The book Higher Education in Bihar: Dimensions of Diversity and Discrimination tries to assess the diversity and discrimination among the institutes of Higher Education in Bihar. The study was based on primary survey of academics (student and faculty) and administration personnel. The study assess the behaviour of   students and faculties on the basis of campus diversity. It is noted that students attending desegregated institutions have fewer stereotypes and are less fearful in interracial settings; when they socialize across race and discuss racial and ethnic issues. Thus, there is importance of striking a balance between development of a unified identity among community members, through activities such as campus traditions and rituals, and acknowledgment of the differences between members, through the development and existence of ethnic organizations and support networks. Along with diversity, the student surveys also proved that majority of the students are coming from OBC community which shows that inclusiveness is also promoted by diversity in Higher Education.  Ideally, when colleges and universities are serious about including diversity in the curriculum and the classroom, educational benefits are definite. 

This book will serve as a valuable resource to anyone seeking authentic information about Bihar’s educational challenges in relation to its society and diverse culture. It will be useful to scholars and researchers of education, public policy and administration, sociology and political studies as well as practitioners, think-tanks, those in media, government and NGOs. It will also be useful for students and teachers, educationists and will be of interest to those concerned with the quality of education in Bihar.