From Libraries to Universities: How Giridih Sheds Its Educationally Backward Tag
eNewsroom has launched a series focusing on the work of public representatives, particularly their efforts (or lack thereof) in the field of education. In the first installment, we explore the educational initiatives undertaken by Giridih's JMM MLA, Sudivya Kumar Sonu. Here is his story
Ranchi: No more educationally backward tag for Giridih district.
Since its inception, education has not been a focal point for the leaders of Jharkhand. However, in the last five years, this has changed, especially in the Giridih assembly segment. Over the past five years, Giridih has become the only assembly constituency to receive a university, a medical college, an engineering college, three CM Schools of Excellence, a new building for RK Mahila College, and a 1,000-student capacity Pariksha Bhavan (Examination Hall), among other developments. This progress occurred between 2019 and 2024 during the tenure of Giridih MLA Sudivya Kumar Sonu.
“The first major improvement we saw was the complete renovation of the Giridih Central Library (now Master Sobran Manjhi Library). Located in the heart of the city, the Central Library was in shambles when Sudivya Sonu became a legislator. Thanks to his active role, the library is now fully functional, and visitor numbers have increased,” informed Prabhakar, a social activist, to eNewsroom. This was just the beginning for one of the most educationally backward districts in India—Giridih.
During the COVID lockdown, Giridih MLA Sudivya Kumar Sonu initiated online teaching for senior students in government schools within his constituency. He helped set up an online teaching facility at a private school, where teachers recorded their lessons, which were then made available to students through YouTube channels.
According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate of Giridih district was 63.14%, while the Sadar block of Giridih was slightly better, at 70.12%. However, Pirtand, which is also part of the Giridih assembly segment, has only 52.6%, the lowest among all blocks in the district. Jharkhand’s literacy rate is 66.41%, while India’s average is 74.04%.
“Giridih district has produced chief ministers for both Bihar and Jharkhand—KB Sahay and Babulal Marandi. After Jharkhand was separated, Giridih also gave an education minister to the state. Later, during the ‘Double Engine’ 2014-19 BJP government, Giridih had both a minister and an MLA from BJP, Chandra Mohan Prasad and Nirbhay Shahabadi respectively. Despite this, Giridih remained backward in education, impacting several other social indicators,” Prabhakar pointed out.
A dire need existed for major government educational institutions due to students’ migration for higher studies. While upper-middle-class and wealthy families could send their children outside for studies, lower-middle-class and economically weaker students faced difficulties pursuing higher education. Recent developments, however, have brought hope.
Sir JC Bose University- First Govt Varsity named after great scientist
It is well-known that Sir JC Bose, the inventor of the Crescograph, which demonstrated that there is life in plants, made Giridih his work field. It is believed that he invented the Crescograph during his stay in Giridih. There was a strong desire for a major institution in his name, and the Jharkhand cabinet as well as the Governor approved the creation of the university. The Giridih administration has also identified land for the university, which will cover the Giridih and Koderma districts.
Currently, it falls under Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, and faces several difficulties. For example, Giridih College suffers from a lack of faculty, which might be alleviated once JC Bose University starts functioning, the activist noted.
Medical and Engineering Colleges- Much needed initiative
In terms of technical higher education, Jharkhand has long lacked both medical and engineering colleges. The upcoming colleges will benefit locals and students from the entire state. Lands for the medical and engineering colleges have also been identified.
“A university in the name of Sir JC Bose and a medical college are among my dream projects. I have worked hard throughout my tenure. Despite disruptions caused by the BJP, I have remained focused on our projects,” said JMM MLA Sudivya Sonu to eNewsroom.
Sonu also mentioned, “I aim to lay the foundation stones for all these projects—university, medical, and engineering colleges—by August 15, by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.”
Giridih- Only Assembly Segment with Three CM Schools of Excellence
Not only has the current MLA secured major educational institutions for Giridih, but Sonu has also leveraged connections to secure a significant share of state-level educational schemes. All schools in Giridih now have libraries and solar lights. “A drastic change has occurred since 2019, especially in education. You might not believe it, but there is now a waiting list for admission to CM Schools of Excellence. This is an extraordinary situation for a government school anywhere in India,” Prabhakar added.
Every CM School of Excellence follows the CBSE curriculum and is equipped with smart classes. Modern science labs and English language labs have also been established in these schools.
“I have been studying at Sir JC Bose Girls High School (now a CM School of Excellence) since April this year. In the last three months, my studies have become easier, and I can understand every lesson well thanks to the smart board. The teachers are also good,” said Shifa, a Class IX student, to eNewsroom.
Shifa, who previously studied at an English medium school but could not continue due to COVID-19, is now happy with her education at the School of Excellence. She added, “Not only do I study in a better school now, but I also believe that after passing out of secondary school, I can continue my education in my hometown as it is going to have a medical college and a university.”
“From nursery to Class Ten, I studied in an English medium school. Before joining the CM School of Excellence, I had many questions in my mind: How would it be? I had heard that there was no such infrastructure and good teachers in government schools. But after one month of attending, my perception of the school changed,” Kumari Amisha, another student of Sir JC Bose CM School of Excellence, told eNewsroom.
The eleventh-grade science student had secured 92.02% in her secondary school examination in 2024. Amisha, who spoke in English, wants to become a civil servant. “The best thing I found in CM School is the Language Lab. It is excellent and will improve our language skills,” she said. However, she quickly added, “There should be more books in the library, which have not been provided yet.”
Note: The featured image was uploaded later on after the story’s publication.
