In a major initiative to preserve India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, the Bihar government has approved the creation of two academies dedicated to the ancient languages Pali and Prakrit. The decision, made by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, comes under the supervision of the Higher Education Department, which will oversee the academies’ operations.

The Pali Academy and Prakrit Academy aim to promote research, documentation, and academic study of these classical languages, which are of significant historical, cultural, and religious importance. Pali is closely associated with Buddhist scriptures, while Prakrit dialects such as Magadhi and Sauraseni feature in ancient literary and religious texts, reflecting Bihar’s long-standing civilizational heritage.

Officials highlighted that the academies will serve as platforms for scholars, researchers, and students to engage in workshops, seminars, and publications, fostering a deeper understanding of Bihar’s linguistic roots. By reviving these languages, the academies aim to connect historical scholarship with contemporary higher education, encouraging interdisciplinary research and cultural preservation.

This move is part of broader higher education reforms in Bihar, which bring existing language academies, including the Sanskrit Academy, under the department’s administrative umbrella. The academies are expected to enhance academic standards, promote research, and strengthen collaboration among universities and research institutions across the state.

Education and language experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that it could position Bihar as a centre for research in ancient Indian languages and contribute to global scholarship in linguistics, literature, and history. The move aligns with recent national efforts to recognize classical languages like Pali and Prakrit for their historical and cultural significance.

The government’s decision underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, academic excellence, and research-driven education, positioning Bihar as a hub for the study and promotion of India’s linguistic and literary traditions.

In a In a major step towards higher education reform, universities and colleges across Bihar are preparing to shift to paperless academic and administrative systems through the implementation of the Samarth e-governance portal, officials from the state’s higher education department have confirmed.

The initiative aims to modernize institutional functioning by digitising key processes and improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the higher education system. Developed under the Ministry of Education, the Samarth portal will serve as an integrated digital platform for managing admissions, examinations, student records, financial operations, and human resource functions.

By reducing dependence on manual paperwork, the portal is expected to cut delays, minimise administrative errors, and enable faster service delivery for students, faculty members, and administrative staff. Officials noted that the rollout is being carried out in phases, with training programmes for university and college personnel already underway to ensure smooth adoption of the new system.

The paperless push is in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the use of technology to strengthen governance, enhance institutional autonomy, and build robust digital infrastructure in higher education.

Once fully operational, the Samarth e-governance system is expected to ensure uniform administrative practices across state universities, provide real-time access to data for policymakers, and significantly reduce operational costs. Education experts believe the move will play a crucial role in strengthening Bihar’s higher education ecosystem and bridging long-standing administrative gaps through digital transformation.

Bihar is set to showcase its developmental progress across key sectors during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, with a special focus on education, culture, and social welfare. The state’s tableau will reflect the collective efforts of multiple departments, presenting Bihar’s journey of growth, reform, and inclusive development on a national platform.

According to officials, the Republic Day display will underline education-led development, highlighting improvements in school infrastructure, expansion of higher education institutions, promotion of skill development programmes, and strengthening of research and innovation ecosystems. Initiatives aimed at enhancing enrolment, digital learning, vocational training, and youth empowerment are expected to form an important part of the presentation.

Alongside education, the tableau will showcase Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, blending historical legacy with contemporary cultural identity. Traditional art forms, historical landmarks, and cultural symbols will represent the state’s contribution to India’s civilisational heritage.

The welfare segment will focus on flagship schemes implemented for women, youth, farmers, and marginalised communities, reflecting the government’s emphasis on social inclusion and grassroots empowerment. Programmes related to livelihood generation, health, nutrition, and social security are likely to be depicted as part of the broader development narrative.

Officials said the Republic Day parade offers states an opportunity to present their achievements and future vision before a national audience. Bihar’s participation this year aims to project a balanced image of progress rooted in education, social welfare, and cultural pride, aligned with the larger goals of national development.

The showcase is expected to reinforce Bihar’s commitment to sustainable growth, human resource development, and inclusive governance, while celebrating the spirit of the Constitution and India’s democratic values.