Ganesh Dutt - Philanthropic Works

Philanthropic Works

Sir Ganesh continued as a minister of Bihar and Orissa till 31 March 1936. After the separation of Orissa from Bihar, he still held the same position. He became minister on the 27th of March, 1923 and five years later in June, 1928, he was given Knighthood by his Majesty, the King Emperor, in recognition of his ability as an administrator, and his brilliant services to the country. He retired from ministership on the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1937 after having held office continuously for a period of 14 years from 1923. His tenure of office as minister was not only the longest held by anyone in India (or even in Britain), but was even more remarkable for his setting apart by far the greater part of his salary for charitable and educational purposes, which had made his name famous throughout Bihar as a distinguished philanthropist.

Mention may be made of his great endowment to the Patna University - the first gift of Rs. 1 lakh on November 30, 1931 and the second gift of Rs. 2 lakhs on May 27, 1933. With this amount the Sir Ganesh Dutt Singh's Trust Fund was created in the Patna University for awarding loan scholarship for higher studies in industry, agriculture, science, medicine, engineering, etc. The most rearkable feature of this scholarship and the attitude of Sir Ganesh is revealed while reading these rules. It has been mentioned that other things being equal, preference shall be given to the untouchable castes and backward castes over the forward castes.

The Patna University honoured him by awarding Doctorate Honouris Causa in 1933 which was a fitting tribute to his splendid services to the cause of educational advancement.