“Why educate girls?” Bihar education minister’s remark triggers outrage
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Bihar’s Education Minister Mithilesh Thiwari has triggered a major controversy after reportedly stating that girls do not need higher education and suggesting that they should remain at home.
Speaking to the media, the minister allegedly said that it is “not necessary to provide higher education to girls,” adding that it is “better for daughters to stay within the household” and that “stepping out onto the streets is not appropriate.” His comments have drawn widespread criticism on social media.
He further stated, “Why do they need education? Girls staying at home is the strength and foundation of our progress. When there is talk of women’s empowerment under Prime Minister Modi, what is the need for girls to come out and protest?” He also added that rights are naturally available and do not require protests to be demanded.
When journalists questioned his remarks, he reiterated that rights come automatically and there is no need for public demonstrations to claim them.
The comments have sparked strong backlash online, with critics calling the remarks unconstitutional and regressive. Many pointed to Article 21A of the Constitution, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen, regardless of gender, caste, religion, or economic background.
Social media users questioned the minister’s stance, noting Bihar’s literacy challenges and warning against pushing women back into domestic roles. Some also criticised the idea of discouraging education for girls in a state where female literacy remains a key developmental concern.
Others defended women’s education as essential for social progress, arguing that such statements reflect a lack of vision among leaders and could harm the state’s development. Several users also called for greater accountability in selecting public representatives, stating that such views should not be allowed in positions of authority.