EducationPolicy – Bihar Minister’s Remarks on Girls’ Education Trigger Political Debate
EducationPolicy – Fresh controversy erupted in Bihar after newly inducted state education minister Mithilesh Tiwari made remarks suggesting that girls do not necessarily need formal education and should remain focused on household responsibilities. His comments, captured during a media interaction, quickly spread across social media platforms and drew criticism from several quarters.
Viral Remarks Spark Public Reaction
Mithilesh Tiwari, a first-time minister and BJP legislator representing the Baikunthpur constituency in Gopalganj district, came under scrutiny after a video clip of his statement circulated widely online on Monday. In the interaction, he appeared to question the importance of education for girls while discussing their participation in public activities and demonstrations.
According to the viral clip, the minister stated that daughters should stay within the confines of their homes rather than engage in protests or outside activities. During the exchange, a journalist pointed out that education is a fundamental right for girls. Responding to the question, Tiwari reportedly said that girls would “receive their rights automatically,” a statement that further intensified the criticism against him.
Opposition Voices Concern Over Statement
The remarks immediately triggered reactions from political leaders and social commentators, many of whom viewed the statement as regressive and inconsistent with efforts aimed at improving female literacy and empowerment in Bihar. Critics argued that such comments from a state education minister could send the wrong message regarding equal educational opportunities for girls.
The controversy has also revived discussions about women’s education in rural and semi-urban areas of Bihar, where government initiatives over the years have focused heavily on increasing school attendance among girls.
Contrast With Earlier Education Initiatives
Observers noted that Tiwari’s comments sharply contrast with the policies promoted during the tenure of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. Over the years, Kumar’s administration introduced several schemes designed to encourage girls to attend school and continue their education.
One of the most widely recognized initiatives was the bicycle distribution programme for schoolgirls, which significantly improved attendance rates in government schools across the state. The administration later expanded support through the “poshak” scheme, under which financial assistance was provided for school uniforms and related educational needs.
These welfare measures were often cited as successful examples of improving access to education for girls, especially in districts where dropout rates had remained high for years.
From Teacher to Cabinet Minister
Before entering active politics, Mithilesh Tiwari worked in the education field himself. He holds a BA Honours degree in Economics and previously worked as a teacher. He also operated a coaching institute in Patna for a period before transitioning fully into political life.
Tiwari began his political journey through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1988 and formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1990. His electoral career saw several ups and downs over the years.
The BJP first fielded him during the February 2005 Bihar Assembly elections, though he was unsuccessful at the time. He later secured a victory in the 2015 Assembly elections by defeating the JD(U)-RJD alliance candidate. However, he lost the 2020 election from Baikunthpur before making a political comeback in 2025 with a win against the Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate.
Debate Continues Across Political Circles
As the video continued to circulate online, discussions surrounding the minister’s remarks remained active across political and social platforms. While supporters attempted to defend his comments, opponents maintained that leaders holding key education portfolios must promote inclusive and progressive views on learning opportunities for all sections of society.
The controversy is expected to remain part of Bihar’s political discourse in the coming days as reactions continue to emerge from different parties and educational groups.