Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Bihar's Maithili Academy Faces Shutdown Amid Neglect
The Maithili Academy in Bihar, which was once a important place for promoting the Maithili language and home to many scholars, is now in danger of closing.
The academy, which has been around for nearly 50 years, is struggling because of a lack of staff, resources, and government support.
Protests have been held to save the academy, with even members of the ruling party urging the chief minister to intervene.
Despite its challenges, the academy has continued to contribute to literature, with recent winners of the Sahitya Akademi award coming from Maithili.
Critics argue that the government's neglect of the academy is ironic, given its talk of promoting Indian languages.
Maithili Academy in Patna faces shutdown due to government neglect and lack of resources.
The academy, established in 1976, has a sanctioned staff strength of 21 but currently has no staff.
Protests have been held by writers, activists, and even ruling party members to save the academy.
The academy's last publication was in 2021, and it has seen a significant decline in footfall and resources.
Despite challenges, the academy has contributed to literature, with recent Sahitya Akademi awards won by Maithili writers.
- Who
- Bihar's Maithili Academy, scholars, activists, government officials
- What
- Potential shutdown of the Maithili Academy due to neglect and lack of resources
- When
- Current situation, with protests and calls for intervention
- Where
- Rajendra Nagar, Patna, Bihar
- Why
- Government neglect, lack of staff, and reduced footfall
- Location
- Rajendra Nagar, Patna, Bihar
- Established
- 1976
- Current Staff
- 0
- Sanctioned Staff
- 21
- Last Publication
- 2021 (Sita Charitra by Dr. Umakanth)
- 2023 Revenue
- Rs 8-9 lakh
- Recent Sahitya Akademi Winners
- Basukinath Jha (2023), Mahendra Malangia (2024)