Cabinet clears Rs87cr for music college in Dumraon

Buxar: The state cabinet on Thursday gave administrative approval for setting up a music college in the name of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan at Dumraon in Buxar district with a sanctioned outlay of Rs 87 crore.The funds will be used for constructing academic and administrative buildings, furnishing, internal roads, and a boundary wall for the proposed college. An earlier proposal of Rs 14 crore under a state scheme has been cancelled, and the revised comprehensive plan has now received cabinet clearance.With the establishment of the college, students from Bihar and other states will be able to pursue education in various disciplines of music, especially Indian classical traditions associated with the legendary shehnai maestro.Dumraon SDM Rakesh Kumar welcomed the decision, calling it a major cultural milestone. “Setting up a music college in Dumraon, the birthplace of Ustad Bismillah Khan, is a matter of pride for the region. This institution will put Dumraon firmly on the cultural map of the country,” the SDM said.Music lovers across the town expressed happiness over the announcement. “For years, we have dreamed of such an institution in Dumraon. This will inspire young musicians and keep Bismillah Khan sahab’s legacy alive,” said Jagdamba Singh, a tabla player and music teacher at Dumraon.Researcher and author Murli Manohar Srivastava, who has been working on Bismillah Khan’s life and music for over 35 years, thanked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for what he termed a historic decision. “This college will emerge as a strong centre for learning and training in Indian classical music. Establishing it in Dumraon gives local talent a national platform,” he said.Ramji Mishra, a Dhrupad singer and artist of Dumraon Gharana, said the move would strengthen Bihar’s cultural identity and prove to be a milestone for music lovers.