Bihar introduces French, German language courses in 15 govt engineering colleges
The introduction of foreign language programmes in these 15 engineering colleges significantly strengthens students’ global outreach. The Chief Secretary further recommended the inclusion of Japanese language courses to boost employability prospects.
In order to enhance global readiness and exposure to overseas jobs among students, Bihar government on May 13 announced introduction of foreign language courses in French and German in 15 government engineering colleges, under the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education (DSTTE).
Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena inaugurated the initiative through a virtual event organised in Patna.
In his address during the online event, Meena emphasised the importance of foreign language proficiency for engineers, citing his own experience. He noted that knowledge of languages like French, German and Japanese can significantly boost global career opportunities.
Highlighting the accomplishments Bihar has made in technical education over the past decade, Meena hailed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, asserting that the latter prioritised education as a ‘driver of economic and social progress’ under the vision ‘Aarthik Bal, Yuvaon Ka Hal’.
Meena called for the addition of Japanese language courses and urged the department to pursue international collaborations and student exchange programs with foreign universities. He also advocated for more Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Bihar’s engineering institutions and overseas academic partners to facilitate research, academic exchanges and language immersion programmes.
The event was attended by Pratima, Secretary of DSTTE and Shri Ahamad Mahmood, Director-cum-Additional Secretary of DSTTE. Pratima delivered a presentation outlining the project’s objectives, execution strategy and roadmap for future expansion.
Principals, faculty members and students from all 38 Government Engineering Colleges joined the online inauguration from their language labs. Students currently enrolled in the program showcased their skills by talking in French and German.
The Department of Science, Technology & Technical Education (DSTTE) has been regularly conducting such programmes for the capacity building of Government Engineering Colleges students of Bihar.
Bihar has since made notable strides in technical education, including improvements in infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and curriculum enhancement.
The introduction of foreign language programs in these 15 engineering colleges significantly strengthens students’ global outreach. The Chief Secretary further recommended the inclusion of Japanese language courses to boost employability prospects.
He directed the department to pursue international collaborations with foreign universities and institutions, enabling students to participate in enriching exchange programs. He also encouraged more Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Bihar’s engineering colleges and global academic institutions to promote academic exchange, joint research, and immersive language learning experiences.
With these initiatives, Bihar’s engineering colleges are poised to evolve into Institutes of National Eminence.
Concluding his address, the Chief Secretary extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Pratima for her instrumental role in expanding global learning opportunities for Bihar’s engineering students.
The event also featured students confidently conversing in French and German an encouraging testament to Bihar’s growing commitment to technical excellence and global competitiveness.
Principals, faculty members, and students from all 38 Government Engineering Colleges joined the event live from their respective state-of-the-art language labs. As part of the interactive session, students showcased their language skills by introducing themselves and conversing in French and German, demonstrating the program’s success.
The online inauguration witnessed enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from attendees, further reinforcing DSTTE’s vision of improving communication skills and fostering global competitiveness among engineering students.
The Department of Science, Technology & Technical Education (DSTTE) continues to conduct such programs regularly to enhance the capacities and skills of students in Government Engineering Colleges across Bihar.
