The District Primary Education Project (DPEP) was being implemented in 11 educational districts (which have now become 20 as educational districts were made co-terminus with revenue districts) in Bihar. The project was identified for IDA credit under DPEP III, this being the third phase of the program at national level. Total number of districts under DPEP III was 17 but 6 districts became part of the newly carved state, Jharkhand, after Bihar was bifurcated in 2001. DPEP covered educational districts include Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Purnea, Rohtas, Sitamarhi, Vaishali & West Champaran.