JDU at Odds with Own Government Over Education Reforms: Model Schools Renamed, Painted Saffron

The Janata Dal (United) has publicly opposed two major education policy decisions taken by the Bihar government it is part of. The first concerns a proposal to separate degree colleges from postgraduate colleges and bring degree colleges directly under the state education department. The second is the renaming of over 550 model schools as ‘Saraswati Vidya Niketan’ and the directive to paint them saffron.

JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar voiced the party’s objections, stating that education has only one colour and there is no need to give it another. While the party stopped short of linking the name ‘Saraswati Vidya Niketan’ to BJP-affiliated Saraswati Shishu Mandir schools, the colour change has drawn sharp criticism.

The opposition is notable because JDU is a key coalition partner in the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The party’s stance puts it at odds with its own administration and raises questions about internal cohesion.

Several BJP legislators and teachers from various universities have also opposed the college separation proposal. However, JDU’s formal dissent on both issues signals potential trouble ahead. Senior party leaders are expected to decide whether to intensify the opposition or seek a compromise.

Article and image source: nayaindia.com