- 12 lakh students in Bihar are not receiving benefits from the Uniform Cycle Scheme due to bank account errors.
- Incorrect bank account numbers and IFSC codes have caused payment issues.
- A total of 1.5 million students may miss out on financial assistance from various educational schemes.
Understanding the Uniform Cycle Scheme in Bihar
In Bihar, the Uniform Cycle Scheme is designed to assist students by providing bicycles and funds for uniforms and scholarships. Unfortunately, more than 12 lakh students have been adversely affected this year due to some administrative errors regarding bank details.
What Went Wrong?
The Education Department has notified that out of these 12 lakh students, approximately 7.5 lakh have been reported with incorrect bank account numbers, and another 4.5 lakh have incorrect IFSC codes. As a result, the funds intended for these students have not been disbursed to their accounts, leaving them without the expected financial support.
Issues with Student Data
According to the department, a list of 1.15 crore students has been prepared for disbursement. Unfortunately, errors in the list have complicated the payment process. The education authorities have sent communication to all district education officers to rectify these issues. Despite previous notifications, over 3 lakh student entries were not corrected, leading to this current crisis affecting even more students.
Disbursement Timeline
Payments for students who maintain 75% attendance between April and September 2024 are currently being processed. Of the 1.15 crore students, officials have confirmed that around 80 lakh students have already received their payments. The records of these students have been documented on the e-Education Fund Portal.
What Should Students and Parents Do?
It is crucial for parents and students to verify their bank account details to ensure they do not miss out on further financial assistance. Any discrepancies should be reported to the relevant educational authorities immediately to avoid delays.
In summary, due to just one mistake in the documentation of bank details, more than 12 lakh students in Bihar are facing challenges receiving benefits from the Uniform Cycle Scheme. Prompt action is required from both the education department and the families of these students to resolve these issues.