Efforts to bring about major changes in Bihar's government schools have begun. The state's Education Department has decided to modernize science education in government schools by making it experiment-based. As part of this initiative, practical classes have been made mandatory for students in grades 9 through 12. Consequently, students will now spend time in practical sessions alongside their theoretical science classes.

Let us examine the details of this initiative. We will look at how many government schools in Bihar currently possess science laboratories and how mandatory practical classes will be conducted in schools that lack such facilities.

**Over 70% of Schools Lack Laboratories**
More than 70% of government schools in Bihar do not have laboratories; in fact, only 3,132 schools across the state are equipped with science labs. Given that there are a total of 12,047 schools at the secondary and higher secondary levels in Bihar, the Education Department has mandated practical education for students in grades 9 to 12.

**New Laboratories to be Established; Collaboration with Nearby Schools**
Plans are underway to develop new science laboratories in government schools to promote practical learning. Under this scheme, new science labs will be set up, and the Education Department has instructed schools to ensure the procurement of necessary equipment and resources within 15 days.

Separate standards have been established for setting up Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories for classes 9-10 and 11-12. Schools are required to purchase items such as beakers, microscopes, vernier calipers, spectrometers, test tubes, chemicals, and slides. Additionally, schools have been directed to conduct practical classes with the assistance of nearby schools until their own new laboratories are fully established. 

Laboratories to be set up under expert supervision
Laboratories will be established in Bihar's government schools with the assistance of experts; specifically, experts from SCERT and DIET will help set up Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories. Additionally, these experts will assist with the procurement of equipment and the operation of the laboratories. Meanwhile, School Management Committees have been instructed to ensure their involvement in the maintenance of the laboratories and the safekeeping of the equipment.

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