Assessment of the Effectiveness of Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme in enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in Higher Education in Bihar

This study explores the impact of Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme (BSCCS) in enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education in the state of Bihar which was at 14.3% in comparison to national average of 24% in the year 2015 when the project was launched by the then Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Nitish Kumar for five years upto 2020. With an aim to touch the then national target of achieving the GER of 30% in higher education, the BSCCY was launched under the Saat Nischay Yojna - 1 (Seven Resolve Scheme) in 2015. This scheme was further extended for another five (05) years by the newly formed government of Bihar led by Mr. Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister under the Saat Nischay Yojna - 2 (Seven Resolve Scheme) upto 2025. As per the report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 report 1 released by Ministry of Education on January 27, 2024, the GER in the state of Bihar has shown an increase of 5% during the last five years. As per the report the GER enhanced from 12.1% in 2017-18 to 17.1% during 2021-22. Also, the national GER increased from 27.3% to 28.4% during this period. While as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 target the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is predicted to be raised to 50 % by the year 2035 2. With the mission for developed Bihar under the Good Governance programme 2015-2020 the Saat Nischay Yojna in mission mode with Saat (07) goals including the goal Aarthik Hal, Yuvaon Ko Bal (Youth Empowerment) under which the Bihar Student Credit Card Yojna (BSCCS) scheme was launched by the government. This study is an attempt to analyze how BSCC scheme has contributed towards enhancement in the GER percentage of the state. The researchers have also analyzed the fact whether the loan provided to the students are utilized for higher studies in the state of Bihar.  For this study, the researchers have used both primary and secondary data. Primary data have been collected through questionnaires from the respondents including beneficiaries of the BSCC scheme.