Bihar CM sets one crore jobs target, announces exam reforms

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has announced a target of providing government jobs and employment to one crore youth by 2030. Speaking at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Saturday, he also said a state-level examination reform committee would be constituted to make examinations transparent and fair. The New Indian Express reports the announcement comes amid Gen Z protests over alleged irregularities in competitive exams, while The Hindu notes the chief minister said the reforms aim for smooth, transparent, and modern processes.

Choudhary said a 'Vidyarthi Sahyog Portal' (Student Support Portal) will launch on August 17 for students to lodge complaints, with resolution within 30 days. The Hindu adds that free coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET entrance exams is being set up across 551 Saraswati Vidya Niketans. The chief minister also highlighted that Rs 68,678 crore (nearly 20% of the state budget) is being spent on education and that degree-level education has been introduced in all blocks of the state.

Other announcements included a high-level committee to strengthen education quality, a 'zero-tolerance' policy towards crime, free agricultural electricity connections to 1.68 lakh farmers, and progress on five expressways and six high-speed corridors. The chief minister said a safe and fear-free society is the hallmark of a developed state.