Bhagalpur, July 16 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday virtually inaugurated 211 new degree colleges across the state at an event in Kashil village in Goradih block of Bhagalpur, marking the beginning of the new academic session, officials said. CM reiterated his government's commitment to make higher education accessible and affordable to people, especially poor people living in rural and remote areas. "It is education that makes a difference in life," he said while exhorting strong participation in the mission. He said, "Even after nearly 79 years of independence, the number of degree colleges in Bihar was limited. The inauguration of these colleges is a historic step towards strengthening higher education and making these institutions strong centres of learning, research and innovation." The CM also announced that Vikramshila University of Bhagalpur would shift to its new building within a year and there would be an AI and Computer Science University in Bhagalpur. He added that 220 acres of land have been transferred for the university project in Bhagalpur. "When PM Narendra Modi visited Bhagalpur in 2024, he entrusted us with the task of realising the dream of establishing Vikramshila University after Nalanda University. Today, we have laid the foundation for that dream," he said. Mentioning the contribution of former CM Nitish Kumar, Choudhary said, "The condition of education when he (Nitish) took the reins of Bihar in his hands was in complete shambles and it was his consistent and constant effort that placed education on the right track." Choudhary said the education sector would play a crucial role in Bihar's overall development. He added, "We are taking his (Nitish's) work ahead with a simple objective of ensuring every person gets higher education in rural and remote areas." The initiative is part of Saat Nischay-3. He said that over 60,000 students have already been enrolled in degree colleges and a large number of students have shown interest in Hindi and History. He stated that at least Rs.15 crore is needed to run a degree college. "Soon all the colleges will be shifted to their own buildings."...