Bihar floods: Over 4,000 schools underwater, exams proceed despite concerns

Patna, September 9: Floods across 14 districts of Bihar have left more than 4,000 government schools submerged, affecting the education of over three lakh students. The state education department has announced half-yearly examinations starting September 15, but parents and teachers have expressed concern that students are unprepared and that examination arrangements are inadequate.

According to the State Disaster Management Department, 514 village panchayats in 84 blocks across 14 districts are experiencing flood conditions. Rivers including the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Punpun, Bagmati, and Ghagra are flowing above the danger mark at several locations, though water levels have begun to recede in some areas.

Schools have been closed in the affected regions, with many buildings submerged for days. In Naugachhia, Bhagalpur district, a Class 12 student's father, Harishankar Mandal, said the syllabus remains incomplete because teachers were unable to conduct classes. “When the course is not finished due to floods, how can the department ask students to bring mats and polythene sheets for exams?” he asked.

The education department has instructed students to carry their own mats and polythene sheets for examinations that are to be held in panchayat buildings and open spaces. Anand Mishra, a union leader representing primary school teachers, said students will face significant difficulties. “Schools in over a dozen districts are submerged. Waterlogging and broken approach roads make it hard for students to reach exam centres. The department must address these issues,” he said.

In Dhanki village on the outskirts of Patna, parents have requested the district administration to arrange alternative transport for children whose school is surrounded by floodwater from the Punpun river. Students were recently seen attempting to reach the school by boat, holding onto a rope.

Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said necessary instructions have been issued to ensure academic preparation in flood-affected areas is not hampered. The examination schedule is as follows: Classes 1 to 8 from September 15, Class 12 from September 18, and Classes 9 and 10 from September 21. Supply of answer sheets to schools will begin on September 12.

A senior official from the education department said, “Student safety is our primary concern, and we are making alternative arrangements.” The authorities have also directed legislators from the ruling National Democratic Alliance, who are in charge of flood-affected districts, to remain present and monitor the situation.

The disaster management department stated that about 40.21 lakh people have been affected by heavy rains in several districts and in Nepal's catchment areas that caused river overflow. Relief and rescue operations involve 27 State Disaster Response Force teams and 10 National Disaster Response Force teams. The government has established 723 community kitchens and 15 relief camps.

Distribution efforts include approximately 1.94 lakh polythene sheets, 29,400 dry ration packets, and 5,178 quintals of animal fodder. A total of 1,979 boats are currently deployed for rescue and relief operations. Officials said water levels in parts of Patna's Punpun and Naubatpur areas began falling on Wednesday, though low-lying areas remain submerged.