A government initiative designed to expand music education in Rohtas district schools has largely stalled, leaving costly instruments unused due to a severe lack of qualified instructors. The Times of India reported that musical equipment worth crores of rupees sits idle in cupboards and storerooms across the region. Education officials distributed harmoniums, tablas, band sets and other gear to 2,051 primary and 283 upper-primary schools to foster student interest in local folk traditions and regular classroom instruction.
Despite plans for thrice-weekly classes with a focus on girls’ participation, the program cannot function without staff. Officials state the district employs only about 140 music teachers, leaving most primary schools without any dedicated instructor and many secondary schools understaffed. Sources indicate this issue affects numerous districts across Bihar, where the state spent over Rs 150 crore on instruments during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The equipment was supplied without consulting headmasters or assessing whether institutions had adequate infrastructure and trained personnel.
Rather than enhancing curriculum access, the unutilized assets have become a logistical burden. One headmaster noted that existing classroom shortages leave no safe space for storage. Several teachers alleged that musical instruments were taken from school premises and kept at teachers’ residences, raising concerns regarding safety, accountability and proper utilisation.
For more information, visit timesofindia.indiatimes.com.