I am working on education in Bihar in the Samastipur district. Initially, I stayed in the city, but after spending a month there, I decided to move to the village, Kalaunjar, where most of my work is based. It has now been four months since I started living in the village. During this time, I have noticed a common practice: children are often engaged in their parents’ work during their free time. This includes helping in shops, food carts, as selling fish, vegetable vendors, and even in selling liquor or weed.

Children’s Daily Routine
In Kalaunjar, there are approximately 35 to 40 children studying in classes 1st to 9th. They are actively involved in their parents’ businesses, either willingly or unwillingly. These children attend school and coaching classes but often spend the rest of their time working. School hours are from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. In the mornings, most children attend tuition classes before heading to school. After school, they either play or help with their parents’ businesses.

Evening Classes And Observations
As part of the organisation’s initiative regarding education in Bihar, I am managing evening classes for the children in the village. One day, two boys, Jitu and Minu (names changed), informed me that they could not attend the class as they had harvested spinach from their farm. They were planning to sell it in the local market (Pedhiya). When I asked if they were doing so willingly or under parental pressure, they replied, “हम खुद जाना चाहते हैं क्योंकि इससे हमें 200 रुपये मिलेंगे। उसमें से 100 रुपये हम अपने मा-बाप को देंगे और 100 रुपये हम चिकन खरीदने के लिए रख लेंगे नए साल पर।”
“We want to go because we will get 200 rupees from this. We will keep the hundred to get chicken for new year and give the other hand to our parents.”
Another child, Kalam, has a mother who sells vegetables in the market. One day, I saw Kalam without school clothes, carrying farming tools. I stopped him and asked where he was going. He replied, “सर, खेत जा रहा हूँ, पानी पटाने।” When I asked if he was going willingly or was told to do so, he said his parents had instructed him and added, “अब दो दिन तक स्कूल नहीं आउंगा।”
These stories highlight how children in the village balance their education and familial responsibilities. Many parents seem content with their children passing exams, as they know that government policy ensures promotion until class 8th.
Stories That Changed My Perspective
The Determined Mother
One story that stood out to me was that of a 30-year-old woman in Kalaunjar. She has four children, three of whom attend the evening classes. These children are exceptionally clever but attend school irregularly, only about three times a month. When I asked their mother why, she explained that her children study in a private school. Though they are also registered in the government school for official documentation since the private school is unaffiliated.
Curious about their finances, I asked about the annual cost of their education. She revealed it was around ₹65,000 to ₹70,000. Despite their modest living conditions, the woman is also pursuing her graduation and is in her final year. When I asked her why she chose to study further, she said, “मैं चाहती हूं की एक दिन मुझे गवर्मेंट या प्राइवेट जॉब मिले, ताकी मैं भी घर के खर्चे और बच्चों की पढ़ाई में योगदान दे सकूं। एक और वजह यह है की मैं अपने बच्चों को घर पर पढ़ा सकूं। अगर मैं बिना पढ़े रहूंगी तो बच्चा बोलेगा, ‘क्या मम्मी? तुम्हे कुछ नहीं आता और हमें बोलती हो पढ़ाई करने के लिए।’ मैं अपने बच्चों के लिए मोटिवेशन बनना चाहती हूं कि मम्मी काम भी करती है और पढ़ती भी है।”
“I want to have a private or government job one day so that I could contribute to the household expenses and in my children’s education. Another reason is so that I can teach my children at home. If I remain uneducated, my child would say, ‘mummy, you yourself know nothing and keep telling us to study.’ I want to be a motivation for my children that mother works as well as studies.”
The Responsible Girl
On January 16, 2025, I went to the market to capture photos of children helping their parents. While there, I saw a girl from class 5th selling vegetables with her father. She also attends extra classes to prepare for the Navodaya entrance exam. I observed her enthusiastically calling out to customers, “प्याज 30 रुपये किलो, प्याज 30 रुपये!”
The next morning, I saw her heading to school with her friends. I joined them and mentioned seeing her at the market. She replied, “अगर मेरा मन होता है तो जाती हूँ और अगर नहीं होता तो नहीं जाती।” When I asked why she helps her father, she said, “वो बहुत मेहनत करते हैं, इसलिए मैं उनकी मदद करना चाहती हूँ।” When I was at her age his sense of responsibility never occurred to me. It came when I was pursuing PG. Her sense of responsibility at such a young age filled me with admiration.

Education In Bihar In Times Of Vocational Training
These experiences led me to think about the NEP’s proposal to introduce vocational education from class 6th to 12th. It emphasises hands-on learning, internships with local artisans or businesses, and skill development. While children helping in family businesses may develop financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and a sense of responsibility, it is crucial to consider whether this disrupts their education or creates misunderstandings about money.
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